US Service Sector Expansion Slows to Six-Month Low

The S&P Global US Services PMI fell to 49.8 in March of 2026 from 51.7 in the previous month, revised lower from the preliminary estimate of 51.1, signaling the first contraction in the sector in over three years. The decline came amid the weakest growth in new business since April 2024, as firms cited reduced client confidence and softer demand, partly linked to the impact of the Middle East conflict. Export activity also deteriorated further, with tariffs and geopolitical tensions weighing on trade. Business sentiment weakened to a five-month low as rising energy costs raised concerns over inflation and consumer spending. Employment edged lower for the first time since December, reflecting caution among firms. Input cost inflation accelerated to its highest level this year, driven largely by higher energy prices, while companies continued to pass on rising costs to clients, pushing selling price inflation to an eight-month high.

The S&P Global US Services PMI fell to 51.1 in March of 2026 from 51.7 in the previous month, below the median market consensus of 51.1 to reflect the softest pace of expansion in the sector in eleven months, according to a preliminary reading. New work grew at a softer pace with both domestic and foreign orders decelerating. Firms cited subdued confidence for consumers and business customers as the war in the Middle East magnified existing policy-related worries of higher deficit spending. Lower margins for customers drove firms to reduce their staff. The outbreak of war and its impact on orders drove firms to have their weakest outlook since last October.

The S&P Global US Services PMI fell to 51.7 in February of 2026 from 52.7 in the previous month, revised lower from the preliminary estimate of 52.3 and well below the initial market estimates of 53 to reflect the softest pace of expansion in the US services sector in ten months. New work flows expanded at a softer pace, limited by a drop in export orders as foreign clients continued to struggle with uncertain trade policies from the retaliation on US tariffs. Still, firms registered a robust growth rate in their employment levels, largely due to ease in in filling existing vacancies, while cost-cutting efforts prevented a larger expansion in the workforce. Labor expenses had resulted in higher input inflation for service providers, driving an acceleration in output charges. Despite the softening signs, companies increased their optimism on future business due to tax breaks and stronger economic sentiment.