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Reuters
7 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Japan's service sector growth slows in May, PMI shows
TOKYO, June 4 (Reuters) - Growth in Japan's service-sector activity slowed in May on weaker demand, offering little to mitigate falling factory activity and resulting in a near-zero growth for business overall, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday. The final au Jibun Bank Japan Services purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 51.0 in May from 52.4 in April, although it was higher than flash 50.8. An index reading above the 50.0 threshold indicates growth and a reading below indicates contraction. New business growth in the service sector eased to its slowest pace since November, while employment growth in services was the weakest rate since December 2023, the survey showed. Service-sector managers' confidence in their future outlook improved to a three-month high in May from April's four-year low, but the overall level stayed weaker than the post-pandemic average, according to the survey. "Concerns over the outlook often stemmed from uncertainty over future global demand, as well as labour shortages and rising costs," said Annabel Fiddes, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled the survey. "The latter was highlighted by a further steep increase in input prices, to suggest that official inflation data will remain strong." Input price inflation eased from April's 26-month high but remained elevated, with managers citing higher costs for energy, labour and transport, prompting service providers to continue raising their output charges roughly in line with April's pace. The slowdown in services, combined with a continued decrease in manufacturing, left overall private sector activity stagnant with the composite PMI dropping to 50.2 in May from 51.2 in April. "The weaker demand picture suggests that the private sector may struggle to bounce back in the near-term, and could translate into more cautious staff hiring in the months ahead," Fiddes said.
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Trade Tensions Reshaping U.S. Corporate Strategy, HSBC Survey Finds
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2025-- U.S. companies remain optimistic about future international expansion despite facing cost pressures, disrupted supply chains and ongoing uncertainty more acutely when compared to global peers, according to HSBC's inaugural Trade Pulse survey . Despite current headwinds, American businesses remain optimistic about long term international growth and most are increasing reliance on the U.S. market in the immediate term. The survey captured responses from over 5,700 internationally active companies across 13 global markets, including 1,000 based in the United States. Key Findings: These findings reflect a complex trade environment – one where U.S. firms are rethinking supply chains, reassessing investment decisions, and adapting pricing strategies. Nearly three-quarters of respondents say they have paused or reconsidered long-term investments due to policy uncertainty, and 52% report difficulty forecasting costs or demand for the year ahead. The changing landscape is prompting a recalibration of global strategies as companies delay new investment decisions and look to shift operations. U.S. firms are more likely than global peers to pivot towards domestic markets in the short term and exit higher risk markets. Despite these headwinds, U.S. corporates remain confident in international growth prospects over the long term with nearly all (93%) respondents saying they expect to grow international trade over the next two years. Companies are also looking to innovate during this time of disruption, with 79% saying the current uncertainty is encouraging their business to evolve and explore new opportunities. American companies are more likely than global respondents to use this moment to drive innovation and future readiness: 'American companies are extremely resilient,' said Ajit Menon, U.S. Head of Global Trade Solutions. 'They're feeling the strain of rising costs and economic uncertainty, but many are responding with agility – digitizing operations, strengthening supply chains and redesigning growth strategies to compete globally. As the world's leading trade bank, HSBC is seeing firsthand how resilient and forward looking our clients are even in the most challenging conditions. We are uniquely qualified to help our clients navigate global complexity.' About the Trade Pulse Survey HSBC's Trade Pulse survey was conducted between April 30 and May 12, 2025, across 13 markets: Bangladesh, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Mainland China, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, UAE, United Kingdom, USA, and Vietnam. The survey captured perspectives from SMEs and mid-market companies with international operations and revenues between $50 million and $2 billion. HSBC Holdings plc HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,054bn at 31 March 2025, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations. View source version on CONTACT: Media Inquiries to: New York – Elena Connolly, Head of U.S. Communications, CIB,[email protected] KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FINANCE BUSINESS BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ASSET MANAGEMENT SOURCE: HSBC Holdings plc Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/28/2025 07:45 AM/DISC: 05/28/2025 07:43 AM
