ISM Services Index Gains in August

key index of U.S. services rose to 65 in August, from 60.5 in July, the Institute for Supply Management reported Tuesday.

ISM figures of more than 50 indicate expansion.

The services sector includes transportation, retail sales and financial services. The sector accounts for nearly two-thirds of the U.S. gross domestic product.

Export orders jumped 10% and imports dropped 0.5%.

he service prices index fell 3.2 to 67.1, ISM said.