Despite the slowdown, the HSBC Services PMI data suggests that India's services sector remains resilient, with solid job creation, strong export growth, and steady business confidence. However, inflationary pressures and rising competition could act as headwinds in the coming months.
The latest HSBC PMI data, compiled by S&P Global, showed that a stronger expansion in the manufacturing industry in India was more than offset by a loss of growth momentum in the service economy.
India's services sector ended 2024 on a strong note, with the HSBC India Services Business Activity Index rising from 58.4 in November to 59.3 in December, according to the HSBC PMI survey.
India's private sector witnessed robust growth in December, marking its highest performance in four months. Both the manufacturing and services sectors showed accelerated growth, supported by increased new business inflows and heightened job creation.
Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC, said "During November, services sector employment notably grew at the fastest pace ever recorded since this survey began in 2005. The hiring surge reflected the sector's improving business confidence, growing new orders, and vigorous internati
October saw faster expansions in both total new orders and exports, driven by increased demand from markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Businesses reported that new products and successful marketing campaigns were significant factors in boosting sales.
India's combined output in the manufacturing and services sectors experienced a decline in September, with the HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index falling to 59.3, down from 60.7 in August, according to the survey released on Monday.
India's private sector demonstrated strong output across India for the 37th consecutive month in August, highlighted the latest HSBC Flash India PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) report.