India’s services sector hits 5-month high at 53.3 in December

06 Jan 2020 Evaluate

India’s services sector activity extended its gaining momentum in the month of December, aided by faster increase in sales, output and employment. As per the survey report, the seasonally adjusted Nikkei Services Business Activity Index surged to 53.3 in December from 52.7 in November. Further, the Nikkei India Composite PMI Output Index -- which measures both manufacturing and services – also rose from 52.7 in November to 53.7 in December.

In the reported month, total sales expanded for the third consecutive month and at the quickest pace since October 2016. Further, the upturn in total new work was achieved with the support of international markets, with services exports rising for the tenth straight month in December. Although moderate, the pace of growth accelerated to the fastest since September.

Service providers continued to hire extra staff in December, amid reports of new business growth. Employment increased for the twenty-eighth month in succession and at a rate that, although modest, was the quickest since August. However, inflationary pressures intensified, with the fastest rise in input costs for almost seven years pushing output charge inflation to a 22-month high.

Meanwhile, Indian services companies expect marketing efforts and favourable economic conditions to boost business activity during 2020. Despite rising to a four-month high, the overall level of positive sentiment remained below its long-run average.


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