WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. services firms grew at an accelerated pace in October as business activity, new orders and employment all strengthened, suggesting that the economy is building momentum from consumer demand in the final months of 2015.

The Institute for Supply Management says its services index climbed to 59.1 last month from 56.9 in September. Any reading above 50 signals expansion.

New orders rose to a reading of 62, up from 56.7 in September. The business activity measure rose to 63. Employment advanced to 59.2. These gains indicate that services firms anticipate rising sales.

The ISM is a trade group of purchasing managers. Its services survey covers businesses that employ 90 percent of workers, including construction firms and financial services.