Mumbai, Feb. 23 -- U.S. business activity grew at its slowest pace in ten months in February, according to flash data from S&P Global, pointing to a cooling economy.
The S&P Global Flash U.S. PMI Composite Output Index fell to 52.3 in February from 53.0 in January. While any reading above 50 signals growth, February marked the weakest expansion since last April. Growth slowed in both manufacturing and services as new orders softened and export sales declined. Companies cited high prices, tariffs, stretched customer budgets and extreme winter weather as key challenges.
Employment increased only slightly for the third straight month, as businesses remained cautious about weak demand and rising costs. Supplier delivery times lengthened sharp...