A marked rise in new business in February fuelled thecontinued strong expansion of the UK service sector, whichadded new jobs and raised prices, the Chartered Institute ofPurchasing and Supply reported. The seasonally adjustedbusiness activity index posted 57.1 in February, unchangedfrom January. UK FEB SERVICES BUSINESS CONFIDENCERECOVERS-CBI Business confidence in the service sectorrose in February versus November, particularly in consumerservices, according to the latest quarterly survey from theConfederation of British Industry. The optimism balance roseto +11% in February, the highest level since September 1999,after -9% in November. The business and professionalservices balance was +12% versus -11% in November.