Q: The reading for both August and July is the best seen since the survey began in August 1997 .

It is the highest reading since the index was created in August 1997 .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A: yes
Q: She has also signed a contract with Random House to write two books .

Pauley also announced Thursday that she has struck a deal with Random House to pen two books .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A: yes
Q: The broader Standard & Poor 's 500 Index gained 16.02 points , or 1.62 percent , at 1,004.63 .

The technology-laced Nasdaq Composite Index added 28.73 points , or 1.77 percent , at 1,655.22 .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A:
no