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Russian services PMI index down to 49.5 points in March

The latest data indicated the first decline in output for six months

MOSCOW, April 3. /TASS/. The seasonally adjusted Russia Services PMI Business Activity Index fell to 49.5 points in March 2026 from 51.3 points in the previous month, S&P Global analytical agency reported.

"The latest data indicated the first decline in output for six months, albeit one that was only slight overall. Lower activity levels were attributed by panelists to more muted demand conditions," the report said.

In March, input costs and output charges increased steeply, the agency said. Rates of inflation cooled for a second month running, however, as the impact of January's hike in VAT eased

New business intakes at Russian services firms were largely stable at the end of the first quarter, following a four-month sequence of expansion. The respective seasonally adjusted index fell for the second month running. Although some companies highlighted greater customer numbers, others noted concerns regarding a fall in client purchasing power and greater uncertainty. Some survey respondents also mentioned lost work due to the war in the Middle East.

The PMI value above 50 points is indicative of the business activity growth and the value below that level flags its slowdown.

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Iran’s elite army unit dismisses US back-to-Stone-Age threats as Hollywood fantasies

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Russian UAV operators in Zaporozhye using fiber optics, have no need for Starlink

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Kiev troops bombard Donetsk People’s Republic three times over past day

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No foreign leaders to be invited to Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

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Pakistan says ready to host US-Iran talks

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Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 80.33 rubles for April 3

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Iran reports shooting down US F-35 fighter jet

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Alexey Overchuk said the development and maintenance of port infrastructure to support the required level of cargo traffic "carry serious investment risks"

Iran targets Oracle data center in Dubai — IRGC

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Russian air defenses destroy seven Ukrainian UAVs in airspace over Leningrad Region

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