U.S. ISM Oct service growth exceeds expectations

NEW YORK, Nov 5 (Reuters) Growth in the U.S. service sector exceeded expectations in October, according to a report released on Monday.

The Institute for Supply Management's services index rose to 55.8 in October from 54.8 in September. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast a median result of 54.0 for October. A number above 50 indicates growth.

The services sector represents about 80 percent of U.S.

economic activity, including businesses such as restaurants, hotels, banks and airlines.

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