India’s services sector growth decreased to a five-month low level in October 2025

Current Context: India’s services sector growth slowed to a five‑month low in October 2025, according to the HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Business Activity Report released by S&P Global on 6 Nov 2025.

• The PMI fell to 58.9, down from 60.9 in September and 62.9 in August (a 15‑year peak).
• Despite the decline, the index stayed well above the neutral 50 mark, showing continued expansion.
• The slowdown was attributed to softer export demand, competitive pressures, and heavy rains affecting output. 
• Input cost inflation eased, while output prices rose modestly, reducing cost pressures.

Question:

Q.1 What was the value of the HSBC India Services PMI in October 2025?
a) 58.9
b) 62.9
c) 60.9
d) 54.3

Answer: a) The PMI fell to 58.9 in October 2025 from 60.9 in September, indicating the slowest expansion pace since May but still above 50, which signals ongoing growth.