Purchasing activity in the Canadian economy expanded in April, but at a slower pace than the previous month, according to the Ivey Purchasing Managers Index released on Thursday.

The index, a joint project of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada and the Richard Ivey School of Business, fell to 57.1 in April from 64 in March.

A reading of 50.0 indicates that activity remained flat from the preceding month, while a higher reading indicates an increase and a lower reading reflects a slowing or decrease.