Services Sector Continues Expansion in January

Tempe, AZ, Feb. 3, 2012 -- The Institute for Supply Management’s service sector index rose to 56.8 in January from 53 a month earlier.

The new orders index jumped 4.8 points, and the employment index shot up 7.6 points to 57.4.

The production index also rose, up 3.6 points to 59.5.

Readings over 50 indicate expansion.

The ISM services survey covers industries ranging from utilities and retailing to health care and finance.