U.S. services companies reported increased activity during February, aided by demand for new business, while service-sector firms in Europe and Japan saw deepening declines.

High Covid-19 infection rates at the start of the year prompted governments in the U.S., Europe and Japan to impose fresh restrictions on individuals and businesses. But the restrictions have varied and contributed to a divergence in global economic activity as the pandemic continues, particularly at businesses offering services that traditionally require close physical proximity.

Manufacturers, meanwhile, have recovered more evenly in different parts of the world.

February surveys of purchasing managers by data firm IHS Markit indicated the divergence between services and manufacturing became more pronounced for some economies, such as Japan and Germany, that have long been big exporters of manufactured goods.

In the U.S., service-sector companies reported increased demand, leading to a pickup in activity overall.

This post first appeared on wsj.com

You May Also Like

Person of interest in case of Minnesota woman found dead in storage unit threatened to kill her friend, documents show

A tipster who reported a Minnesota woman missing before her body was…

Roberto Clemente book approved for Florida public schools after review over discrimination references

A book about the late Afro Puerto Rican MLB legend Roberto Clemente…

Monterey Park left ‘looking for answers’ as police probe mass shooting

Authorities were hunting for a motive on Monday after the deadly shooting…

Body of Navy sailor who disappeared from Illinois bar found in nearby Lake Michigan

The body of a Navy sailor who disappeared last month after leaving…