Economic activity in the US non-manufacturing sector expanded at a slightly slower pace in February while employment growth edged up, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s non-manufacturing index released today.

ISM’s non-manufacturing index fell in March to a reading of 56.5 from February’s reading of 56.9. Readings above 50 indicate growth.

The reading matched the median forecast of 71 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

The employment portion of the index edged up to a reading of 56.6 in March from February’s reading of 56.4 and indicates growth for the 13th consecutive month.