Private sector business activity increased at a robust and accelerated pace in October. At 54.8, up from 53.9 in September, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit Flash U.S. Composite PMI Output Index signalled the fastest rate of expansion since July. The composite index is based on original survey data from the IHS Markit U.S. Services PMI and the IHS Markit U.S. Manufacturing PMI. Stronger overall business activity growth was driven by the service sector in October, which more than offset a slight loss of momentum in manufacturing. Higher levels of business activity were supported by another sharp rise in new work. ... (full story)