US service firms grew at healthy clip in September

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. service firms expanded at a healthy pace in September although it was slightly below the record pace set in August.

The Institute for Supply Management says that its service index dipped to 58.6 last month, down from a reading of 59.6 in August which had been the strongest level recorded since the measure was introduced in January 2008.

Hiring at service firms, where most Americans work, rose for a seventh straight month.