FRANKFURT (AFX) - The services sector purchasing managers' index fell to a seasonally adjusted 53.2 from 54.0 in December, market sources said, citing the monthly report supplied by market research group NTC.
A PMI above 50.0 indicates growth in the services industry, while a figure below 50.0 indicates a decline.
The purchasing managers' index for prices charged fell to 50.5 from 51.0 and the index for input prices was lower at 53.2 from 55.1. The index for outstanding business fell to 47.8 from 48.8, while the index for business activity dropped to 53.2 from 54.0.
The employment index fell to 51.6 from 52.5.
Analysts said that although the index fell in January, most components -- most importantly prices -- remained above 50.0.