Services activity reach a 5-month high in April

Firms that hired more employees linked the rise in the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) points to the ongoing growth of their new business segments

May 6, 2022

The PMI for services rose to 57.9 points in April from 53.6 points in March ‘22

Companies recorded the fastest growth in sales and business activity since November ‘21

A greater expansion in private sector output across India was aided by faster gains in manufacturing and services activities

The relaxation of Covid-19 constraints resulted in increased consumer traffic and overall growth in demand: Survey

Activities in India’s services sector reached a five-month high in April 2022, according to a survey by The S&P Global PMI. This signaled a strong rebound in orders as pandemic-related interruptions in Asia’s third-largest economy receded.

The PMI for services rose to 57.9 points in April from 53.6 points in March, as companies recorded the fastest growth in sales and business activity since November ‘21. In April, new business inflows increased even further, bringing the current growth streak to nine months. According to the survey’s respondents, the relaxation of Covid-19 constraints resulted in increased consumer traffic and overall growth in demand.

Hiring by companies also resumed in April, as seen by an increase in employment – the first since November ‘21. Those firms that hired more employees, linked the rise in PMI points to the ongoing growth of their new business segments, according to the survey.

A greater expansion in private sector output across India was aided by faster gains in manufacturing and services activities. Consumer services, finance, and insurance were the best-performing subsectors in April, with a significant increase in new orders and business activity over March.

Recent Articles

India defies global steel slump with 33% output growth since 2019

June 3, 2025

India is emerging as a global outlier in the steel …

Read More

Hiring slows in early FY26 as India Inc shifts focus to efficiency and specialised skills

June 2, 2025

India’s employment market is expected to see a 2.8% increase …

Read More

India, US eye deeper tech and trade ties under new ‘COMPACT’ framework

May 30, 2025

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, on a three-day visit to Washington, …

Read More