The Institute for Supply Management released its non-manufacturing purchasing managers' index for the U.S. on Wednesday. The index fell to 55.3 in December from 55.9 in November, missing expectations for an increase to 56.0.
A reading above 50 indicates a growth in the service sector.
The ISM's new orders index jumped to 58.2 in December from 57.5 in November.
The business activity/production index rose to 58.7 in December from 58.2 in November.
The ISM's employment index was up to 55.7 in December from 55.0 in November.
The prices index declined to 49.7 in December from 50.3 in November.