S&P Global's index of service companies, which employ most Americans, recovered to a reading of 51.3 in April from a three-year low of 49.8 in the prior month. Any number above 50 signals expansion. A survey of manufacturing executives rose to an almost four-year high of 54 from 52.3, but the gain partly reflected a scramble to order supplies that might become scarce due to the war with Iran. Manufacturing contacts reported a steep jump in goods prices, with the rate of inflation at a 10-month high. Service-sector selling prices accelerated to reach a 45-month high. Key details: Some companies reported ... (full story)