Private sector growth rose in January: PMI

India’s private sector business activity accelerated in January, recovering from a slowdown in late 2025, the HSBC Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released by S&P Global showed on Friday.

- Sreedev Krishnakumar

The HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index rose to 59.5 in January from a final reading of 57.8 in December. This signals a sharp expansion in output above the long-run average. If confirmed, the reading marks a recovery from December's ll-month low and remains well above the 50-mark separating expansion from contraction.

Growth quickened across manufacturing and services, aided by faster expansion in new orders. Survey participants reported strengthening demand and aggressive marketing, with manufacturers registering a sharper upturn than service providers.