MOSCOW, November 5. /TASS/. Russia Services PMI Business Activity Index fell to 50.1 points in October 2026 from 51.3 points in the previous month, S&P Global analytical agency reported.

"Falling from 51.3 in September to 50.1 in October, the seasonally adjusted S&P Global Russia Services PMI Business Activity Index was only slightly above the neutral 50 level. The latest print signaled a fractional rise in output after modest increases in August and September," the agency said.

Panelists often linked the slowdown to fewer orders from clients than they had expected. Indeed, total new business fell for the first time in three months, according to the report. The contraction was modest, but it contrasted with the long-run survey trend of strong growth. Services firms that reported lower sales mentioned softer demand conditions, fewer client numbers and pressure on customer budgets.

Despite subdued demand conditions, staffing levels across Russia’s service economy rose in October, ending eight months of job shedding, the report said. However, the rate of job creation was marginal and slower than its long-run average. Some firms hired staff to fill vacancies and help with existing projects, anecdotal evidence showed, according to S&P Global.

With less new work coming in, services companies were able to clear previous orders and outstanding business fell. Backlogs have now decreased in six of the past seven months. Meanwhile, price pressures across the service sector intensified. Input cost inflation picked up for the first time in three months, with expenses rising sharply overall. That said, the rate of increase stayed below its long-run trend. In response, service providers raised their selling charges at the fastest rate in eight months as they shared part of their additional cost burdens with customers.

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