Provided by Dow Jones By Colin Kellaher Services activity in the middle of the U.S. slipped in December following two months of gains, but expectations for future activity rose, according to a monthly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The Tenth District Services Survey's composite index, a weighted average of indexes covering revenue/sales, employment and inventory, came in at minus 4 for December, down from 10 in November and 12 for October. Readings above zero indicate expansion, while those below zero indicate contraction. The Kansas City Fed said the recent surge in coronavirus cases is taking its toll on businesses. Many firms surveyed said an increase in consumer caution has contributed to a slowdown in business activity, and more employees have missed work recently after testing positive for Covid-19 or being exposed to the virus.