India’s HSBC Services PMI finalised at 59.8 for November, a slight upgrade from the flash estimate of 59.5 and up from October’s 58.9. The reading signals robust expansion in the services sector—over 70% of GDP—driven by stronger output and new orders, though global competition tempered export growth.
Services sector powers ahead
The HSBC India Services Business Activity Index rose to 59.8 in the final November data from S&P Global, confirming healthy growth despite a softer manufacturing PMI. New business inflows accelerated, supported by domestic demand, while employment continued rising for the 42nd month, albeit at the slowest pace in 18 months.
Key highlights
-
Services PMI at 59.8 (final) vs flash 59.5 and October’s 58.9, well above 50 expansion threshold.
-
Output growth strongest since August; new orders rose sharply, though exports slowed amid global pricing pressures.
-
Input costs and output prices increased mildly—the weakest inflation in 5+ years—easing pressure on margins.
-
Backlogs fell for second month, curbing hiring pace; business confidence dipped to mid-2022 lows despite output optimism.
-
Composite PMI slipped to 59.9 (6-month low) on manufacturing weakness, but services offset the drag.
Sources: Economic Times PMI roundup; Trading Economics/S&P Global data; Informist and Business Standard reports; CNBC-TV18 flash analysis.