Economic activity in the US services sector expanded in August at its fastest pace since February, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s Service PMI.

The purchasing managers’ index rose to a reading of 54.5% in August from 52.6% in July. The high mark for the index was February’s reading of 55.9%.

Readings above 50% indicate expansion.

“There has been an increase in the rate of growth for the services sector, reflected by increases in all four of the subindexes that directly factor into the composite Services PMI and faster supplier deliveries,” Anthony Nieves, chair of the ISM’s Services Business Survey Committee, said in a press release. “Sentiment among Business Survey Committee respondents varies by industry; however, the majority of panelists are positive about business and economic conditions.”

The employment subindex rose to a reading of 54.7% in August from July’s reading of 50.7%. The subindex had contracted in May before swinging back to growth in June.

Data in the report is based on a survey of purchasing and supply executives nationwide.