The bigger than expected increase by the business barometer came as the new orders index saw the largest single component monthly gain and shifted back into expansion. On the inflation front, the prices paid index rose to a five-month higher of 59.8 in August, although it is still well shy of the 12-month high of 79.8. The survey also found that 63 percent of firms intend to leave their current business investment plans for the remainder of 2019 unchanged, citing concerns about global uncertainties.