Growth in Services Sector Picks Up in March

Tempe, AZ, April 3, 2014 -- Growth in the U.S. services sector accelerated in March, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

ISM said its index rose to 53.1 in March, up from the February number of 51.6.

The March results marked the 51st consecutive month the index was above 50.

The employment index rose to 53.6 from 47.5 in February.

The measure of business activity fell for a second straight month to 53.4 from 54.6 in February.