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Spanish services growth cools, still above trend, PMI shows

By Thomson Reuters Nov 4, 2026 | 2:20 AM

Nov 4 (Reuters) – Spain’s services sector saw strong growth in October, though the expansion was slower than in each of the ​previous three months as new business growth ‌cooled and export sales fell, a business survey showed on Wednesday.

• The S&P Global Spain Services PMI Business Activity Index fell to 57.2 in October from 58.3 in ‌September. ​The 50 mark separates growth ⁠from contraction

• “Spain’s services ⁠economy continued to expand at an above-average rate during October and was therefore indicative of a positive start to the final quarter of ​the year in terms of economic growth,” said Paul Smith, economics director at S&P Global ⁠Market Intelligence

• Business confidence strengthened ⁠to its highest level since February, ​with firms citing previous investment plans and hopes ​that the upcoming general election on November 29 ‌may bring positive change

• New business volumes increased again but growth eased to a five-month low. New export business contracted for a second straight ⁠month

• Employment rose again, extending a run of job creation to more than four years. The pace of ⁠hiring was ‌the strongest since July

• Input price ⁠inflation accelerated to its highest level ​since ‌March, as companies reported higher energy, ​fuel and ⁠transport expenses. Output price inflation, however, eased from September’s five-month high

• The sister manufacturing sector index, released on Monday, expanded in October at its fastest pace since August 2025

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by ​Joe Bavier)