India’s services sector growth eased in the month of August, but remained among the best in 13 years, with a series-record increase in new export business inducing another sharp expansion in total sales. As per the survey report, the seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Services PMI Business Activity Index fell at 60.1 in August from 62.3 in July. Further, the S&P Global India Composite PMI Output Index -- which measures both manufacturing and services -- eased to 60.9 in August as against 61.9 in July.
The survey report noted that total new business increased for the twenty-fifth month in a row during August. Advertising and robust demand for services were among the reasons listed for growth. Although softer than in July, the overall expansion in sales was one of the strongest seen in 13 years. The overall rate of input price inflation remained above that seen for output charges, despite easing since July.
Besides, it stated that hiring activity across India's service economy continued to expand halfway through the second fiscal quarter. The rate of job creation was moderate, but the strongest seen since last November. According to the report, capacity pressures at service providers ticked higher in August, evidenced by a stronger increase in work pending completion.