Non-manufacturing sector shrinks in month

TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The composite index of U.S. business activity in the non-manufacturing sector fell in October, a research group said Wednesday.

The Institute for Supply Management said the index for non-manufacturing business dropped 5.8 percentage points to 44.4, down from the 50.2 recorded in September.

The measurement uses 50 as a break-even point with figures below indicating a contraction.

ISM said new orders fell 6.8 percentage points to 44 percent, while the Employment Index dropped 2.7 points to 41.5 percent.

The Price Index also fell, down 16.6 points to 53.4 percent in the month, ISM said.

Only three industries reported growth in the month: healthcare and social assistance, utilities and the category of "other services," a catch-all for a variety of activities, including equipment repair, promoting religious activities, pet care and photofinishing services.

Thirteen sectors reported contraction in the month, including entertainment, real estate, public administration, construction, retail, agriculture and finance, the report said.