The pace of growth in the U.S. services sector unexpectedly eased in April, according to an industry report released on Wednesday.

The Institute for Supply Management said its services index fell to 52.8 last month from 57.3 in March. That was well below economists' forecasts for 57.4, according to a Reuters survey.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr, Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)