BEIJING, May 7 -- China's service sector continued to grow in April, but at a slower pace, according to an industry index released by banking institution HSBC on Wednesday.

The HSBC/Markit China Services Business Activity Index, an indicator designed to provide a snapshot of operating conditions in the sector, stood at 51.4 in April, down from 51.9 in March.

"Service sector firms saw a modest expansion of business activity. That said, the rate of growth eased from March and remained weak in the context of historical data," said data company Markit in a statement.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while one below 50 indicates contraction.