An independent gauge of activity in China’s services sector indicates growth slowed further last month, contrasting with a pick-up in bustle at the country’s manufacturers.

Business activity at service providers grew at the slowest pace in four months in February, according to the Caixin-Markit services purchasing managers’ index. The latest reading of 52.6 reflects a fall of 1.8 points from December’s level, though that is still safely above the 50-point line delineating growth from contraction.

Businesses surveyed for the gauge indicated the rate of growth in new orders held steady from January, but noted increased competition had prevented them from raising prices charged to clients in February. That contrasted with input prices, which rose again last month – albeit at a slower pace.