Investing.com – Service sector activity in the U.S. declined unexpectedly in March, industry data showed on Tuesday.
In a report, the Institute of Supply Management said its non-manufacturing purchasing manager's index fell to 57.3 in March, compared to a reading of 59.7 in February.
Analysts had expected the index to rise to 60.0 in March.
On the index, a reading above 50.0 indicates the non-manufacturing sector economy is generally expanding, below 50.0 indicates the sector is contracting.
The report said that the Employment Index decreased 1.9 points to 53.7, indicating growth in employment for the seventh consecutive month, but at a slower rate.
Following the release of the data, the U.S. dollar was up against the euro, with EUR/USD shedding 0.32% to hit 1.4174.
Meanwhile, U.S. equity markets were down. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 0.3%, the S&P 500 index fell 0.22%, while the Nasdaq Composite index dropped 0.4%.
In a report, the Institute of Supply Management said its non-manufacturing purchasing manager's index fell to 57.3 in March, compared to a reading of 59.7 in February.
Analysts had expected the index to rise to 60.0 in March.
On the index, a reading above 50.0 indicates the non-manufacturing sector economy is generally expanding, below 50.0 indicates the sector is contracting.
The report said that the Employment Index decreased 1.9 points to 53.7, indicating growth in employment for the seventh consecutive month, but at a slower rate.
Following the release of the data, the U.S. dollar was up against the euro, with EUR/USD shedding 0.32% to hit 1.4174.
Meanwhile, U.S. equity markets were down. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 0.3%, the S&P 500 index fell 0.22%, while the Nasdaq Composite index dropped 0.4%.