Disappointing data on service sector, factory orders point to slow recovery later this year

WASHINGTON — A pair of economic reports on Wednesday indicated only slight improvement in the service and manufacturing sectors, suggesting that any economic recovery will be gradual.

Contraction slows in service sector, factory orders rise slightly, but slow recovery expected

NEW YORK — The U.S. service sector shrank last month at the slowest pace since late last year and orders to U.S. factory orders rose in April, but the improvements were incremental and economists say a real recovery will be long and slow.

ISM says service sector contracts at slowest pace since Oct.; recovery likely to be slow

NEW YORK — The U.S. service sector shrank last month at the slowest pace since late last year and orders to U.S. factory orders rose in April, but the improvements were incremental and economists say a real recovery will be long and slow.

Private group says service sector contracts at slowest pace since October

NEW YORK — The U.S. services economy shrank in May at the slowest pace since October, a private group said Wednesday. Economists had expected an even slower pace of contraction, however.

Treasurys slightly lower after Bernanke remarks, service sector reading

NEW YORK — Treasurys dipped Tuesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the economy should start growing again later this year.

Meltdown 101: Service sector index still in the dumps but giving hints of better days ahead

WASHINGTON — A key index that measures business activity in the service sector is still flashing a recession signal. But in the latest hint of better days ahead, the reading for April was not as dire as it has been.

US service sector index contracts for 7th straight month; pace of decline slower than expected

WASHINGTON — A private measure of the U.S. services sector contracted for the seventh straight month in April but at a slower pace, the latest sign the economic downturn could be moderating.