Business activity in the U.S. Midwest grew less than expected this month, as growth in employment and new orders slowed, a report showed on Friday.

The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago business barometer dropped to 67.6 in April, from 70.6 in March. Economists had forecast an April reading of 68.5.

The employment component of the index fell to 63.7 from 65.6 in March. New orders dropped to 66.3 from 74.5. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the regional economy.