Real gross domestic product rose 0.4% in May, a fifth consecutive monthly increase. The output of service industries grew 0.4% in May, as most major industrial sub-sectors posted growth. There were notable increases in wholesale and retail trade, the real estate sector, transportation and warehousing services as well as professional services. The public sector (education, health and public administration combined) was unchanged in May. In contrast, the finance and insurance sector edged down. The output of goods-producing industries rose 0.5% in May, following a 0.4% decline in April. The gain in May was mainly due ... (full story)