S&P Global HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) Falls to 53.5 in July, Lowest in Nearly Five Years

Exam-focused facts from the 4 August 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The S&P Global HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 53.5 in July from 54.2 in June.
The July reading was the lowest level since August 2021 and remained above the 50-point expansion threshold.
New orders grew at their second-weakest pace in more than four years, while export orders improved after June's slump.
The slowdown was demand-driven, with domestic demand cooling even as export orders offered some relief.
Consumer goods manufacturers were the weakest performers, while intermediate and capital goods producers fared better.
Employment growth slowed to its weakest pace in 29 months, with hiring continuing for the 29th consecutive month.
Input cost inflation eased to a five-month low, while selling price increases remained modest.