The services index from the Institute for Supply Management, a Tempe, Ariz.-based trade group of purchasing executives, came in at 43.7 in April, compared with 40.8 in March. Any reading below 50 indicates the service sector, where most Americans work, is contracting.

Still, Tuesday's reading was higher than economists expected and provided another sign the economy's steep downturn could be bottoming out.

The services index is based on a survey of the institute's members in 18 industries and covers such indicators as new orders, employment and inventories.

* U.S. restaurants are four times more likely to fail than they were a year ago, and as many as 40 percent may face a "severe" cash shortage within the next 12 months, restructuring firm AlixPartners LLP said.

The increased risk may spur liquidations, restructuring, bankruptcies and buyouts, according to a survey of 110 restaurant chains. Debt-to-equity ratios have more than doubled in the past two years, hurt by falling asset and share values.

Casual and fine dining restaurants, which have seen fewer visits from consumers who are trimming spending amid the financial crisis, are more vulnerable than fast-food chains, said Andy Eversbusch, managing director and chief of the restaurant practice at Southfield, Mich.-based AlixPartners.

"Consumers are resetting their habits and reducing their casual dining outings overall," Eversbusch said in an interview Friday.

Among the 1,000 consumers surveyed, 48 percent plan to dine out less often this year, and 51 percent expect to spend an average of $10 or less when they do. Eversbusch declined to name specific companies that are among the most vulnerable.

* Although the recession has proved tough for workers, 77 percent of professionals interviewed for a new Accountemps survey cited at least one positive effect the downturn has had on their jobs, including the ability to tackle new projects (53 percent), assume additional responsibility (52 percent) and take on more challenging work (52 percent). However, only 12 percent said they have received promotions.

NUMBERS CRUNCHER

$1.5 billion

Amount Americans plan to spend on gift cards for Mother's Day

$1.9 billion

Amount Americans plan to spend on flowers for Mother's Day

$2.3 billion

Amount Americans plan to spend on jewelry for Mother's Day

Source: National Retail Federation

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