US: Economic activity in non-manufacturing sector grew in July - ISM

"Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in July for the 91st consecutive month," the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) announced on Thursday.

Key quotes:

• Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee registered 53.9 percent, which is 3.5 percentage points lower than the June reading of 57.4 percent
• This represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector at a slower rate
• The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased to 55.9 percent, 4.9 percentage points lower than the June reading of 60.8 percent
• The New Orders Index registered 55.1 percent, 5.4 percentage points lower than the reading of 60.5 percent in June 
• The Employment Index decreased 2.2 percentage points in July to 53.6 percent from the June reading of 55.8 percent