American services sector activity reaches 21-year maximum

In September, American services sector activity managed to leap to a 21-year maximum. US businesses ramped up hiring. These are evident signs of enduring strength in the American economy at the end of the third quarter.

Wednesday’s positive reports will probably keep the key US bank on track to have interest rates lifted once again in December. The previous week the Federal Reserve raised rates for the third time in 2018. On Tuesday, Jerome Powell, Fed Chairman told that the US economy's outlook turned out to be quite upbeat.

As the Institute for Supply Management informed, its non-manufacturing activity index ascended by 3.1 points reaching 61.6 in September, and it appears to be the highest outcome since August 1997. An outcome above 50 stands for expansion in the sector that accounts for more than 2/3 of American economic activity.

In September, the ISM's fresh orders sub-index for the services sector jumped by 1.2 points ending up with 61.6. In September, the poll’s factory employment measure soared to 62.4 from August’s reading of 56.7. It suggests September's nonfarm payrolls could potentially shock on the upside when the authorities issue their highly-anticipated employment report on Friday.

US businesses in the ISM poll were quite upbeat as for business conditions in September, although reported lingering fears regarding logistics, capacity as well as the uncertainty with global trade.

US businesses are increasingly posting difficulties in finding qualified employees to meet demand, and it leads to delays in delivering services and products.

Besides this, Trump’s "America First" policy that has left America embroiled in a fierce trade conflict with China as well as tit-for-tat duties, with other trade partners, have increased the prices of some raw materials.

The evergreen buck strengthened marginally versus a basket of currencies and American Treasury profits added.

u.s. economy growth