Economic activity in the US non-manufacturing sector picked up speed in January but employment growth decelerated, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s non-manufacturing index released today.

ISM’s non-manufacturing index edged up in January to a reading of 56.7 from December’s reading of 56.5. Readings above 50 indicate growth.

The median forecast of 73 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a January figure of 56.4.

The employment portion of the index fell to a reading of 51.6 in January from December’s reading of 55.7.