The Institute for Supply Management released its non-manufacturing purchasing managers' index for the U.S. on Tuesday. The index fell to 56.2 in December from 59.3 in November, missing expectations for a decline to 58.2.
A reading above 50 indicates a growth in the service sector.
The ISM's new orders index declined to 58.9 in December from 61.4 in November.
The ISM's business activity/production index decreased to 57.2 in December from 64.4 November.
The ISM's employment index fell to 56.0 in December from 56.7 in November.