# Japan services activity expands for fifth month, PMI shows

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/japan-services-activity-expands-for-fifth-month-pmi-shows/
- Published: 2026-11-05T00:33:07+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T01:35:32+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/japan-services-activity-expands-fifth-month-pmi-shows-6525921
- Topics: Asia, World

## Key points

- Japan’s services sector grew for a fifth month.
- The final PMI was 51.7, below the flash estimate.
- Confidence and hiring growth weakened amid persistent concerns.

## Summary

Japan’s services sector expanded for a fifth consecutive month in October, with activity and new orders growing slightly faster than in September. The modest improvement indicates continued growth, but weaker business confidence and slowing manufacturing point to a loss of momentum across the wider economy.

The final S&P Global services PMI rose to 51.7 from 51.3, below the earlier estimate of 52.0; readings above 50 indicate expansion. New orders increased for a 28th month, while foreign demand remained weak and employment growth was marginal, its slowest in a 14-month hiring period. Input price inflation eased to an eight-month low, but firms cited inflation, an ageing population and labour shortages as concerns; the composite output index fell to 52.1, its weakest growth since May.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.