The Institute for Supply Management reported that economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in December for the 96th consecutive month.

According to the ISM’s non-manufacturing report on business, the NMI fell in December, sliding to 55.9% after hitting 57.4% in the previous month. The decrease indicates a slower rate of growth, but growth all the same.

Following in the NMI’s footsteps, the non-manufacturing business activity index also fell, dropping 4.1% to 57.3%. This marks the 101st consecutive month of growth but at a slower rate.

The new orders index experienced a 4.4% decline to a reading of 54.3%. The employment index actually increased by one percentage point to 56.3%, while the prices index inched forward from 60.7% to 60.8%. This last metric means prices were up in December for the seventh-straight month.

“There has been a second consecutive month of pullback in the rate of growth,” said Anthony Nieves, chair of the ISM Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. “Overall, the majority of respondents’ comments indicate that they finished the year on a positive note. They also indicate optimism for business conditions and the economic outlook going forward.”

According to the NMI, 14 non-manufacturing industries reported growth, including finance and insurance, rental and leasing and construction.