India private sector activity gains pace in Sept

In September, India's private sector activity surged, as evidenced by the Flash Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data released by S&P Global. The headline indicator, the HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index, rose from 54.3 in August to 56.5 in September, indicating stronger economic momentum. Manufacturing reported the most significant gains, with output and new domestic orders increasing at a faster pace.

HSBC Chief India Economist Pranjul Bhandari noted that activity in the private sector gained momentum, particularly in manufacturing. Overall, four indicators in the Flash PMI data showed strong improvement between August and September, with both manufacturing PMI and services PMI surpassing their long-run averages. Service firms attributed the increased order intakes to effective marketing efforts, with demand growing for properties, transport services, and new travel bookings, as well as software and digital solutions.

Manufacturers, on the other hand, experienced strengthening demand for various goods, including aluminium products, electronic items, food, pharmaceutical goods, and new models. New export orders also rose in September, though the expansion rate was the weakest in nearly three years. Employment increased as firms expanded their staffing capacity, and both sectors reported mild pressures on operating capacities.

Input cost inflation eased in September, reaching its lowest level since January, thanks to softer cost pressures in services, which helped offset the increase in prices among manufacturers. The final manufacturing PMI and services PMI figures will be released on October 1st and 6th, respectively.