US Services Firms Grew at a Faster Pace Last Month

U.S. services companies grew more quickly in December than the previous month, a sign that the economy's steady expansion should continue.

The Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday that its service-sector index rose to 55, from 53.9 in November. Any reading above 50 signals an expansion.

The index covers retail, health care, hotels and restaurants, and professional services, among other sectors.

Services firms added jobs last month but at a slightly slower pace than in November, while sales jumped in a sign of consumers' health.

Steady consumer spending, buoyed by a strong job market and decent pay gains, is driving a healthy service sector and broader economy.