U.S. services sector activity grew in August, with new orders reaching a 3-1/2-year high. Input prices also increased, suggesting inflation may remain elevated for some time. Strong domestic demand, partly fueled by artificial intelligence spending, is driving these trends. Despite order surges, services employment remained subdued due to policy uncertainty. Financial markets anticipate a potential Federal Reserve interest rate hike later this year.

Although the sector remained in expansion, "warning signs" are starting to appear, said Susan Spence, chair of the Institute for Supply Management.

U.S. manufacturing activity cooled off in August after a period of strong expansion, with new orders experiencing a decline. Input prices remained high due to continued supply…