US Services Activity Revised Lower

The S&P Global US Services PMI rose to 51 in April of 2026 from the three-year low of 49.8 in the previous month, revised slightly downward from the flash estimate of 51.3 but still ahead of the initial market expectations of 50. The result reflected a tentative recovery from the sharp and immediate impact of the war in the Middle East, which triggered supply risks for energy consumer that sent commodity pries soaring. Still, new business intake fell for the first time in two years, with panelists citing higher uncertainty from clients due to the war and fresh tariff concerns from the US government. Still, employment increased, particularly for part-time positions. Meanwhile, input price inflation remained elevated due to higher fuel and gas prices, in addition to increasing staffing costs, driving sellers to increase their charges. Looking ahead, business expectations remained high on hopes of an end to the Middle East war.

The S&P Global US Services PMI rose to 51.3 in April of 2026 from 50.3 in the previous month, well above market expectations of 50, according to a preliminary estimate. The result reflected a quick recovery in private services activity following the initial impact of the war in Iran, which triggered surges in energy prices and halted key trading activity. New business placed for companies inched higher, but remained below the average pace from the previous two years as clients cited affordability issues. Meanwhile, input costs rose the most since December, but the sharp increase was enough for firms to hike selling prices the most in 45 months. Meanwhile, employment levels inched higher. Business outlook improved slightly from the previous month, but remained sharply lower than comparable levels from last year.

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.