Global Services Sector Shows Mixed Performance in January

Economic activity in services industries varied across regions, reflecting contrasting demand trends, inflation pressures, and employment shifts.

• The U.S. services sector slowed unexpectedly in January, with the ISM PMI slipping to 52.8, signaling a moderation in demand and easing price pressures.
• The UK services sector saw the fastest job cuts in four years, with the PMI falling to 50.8, as businesses faced rising payroll taxes and subdued demand.
• Eurozone services activity returned to modest growth at 51.3, led by Germany and Spain, while France and Italy faced contractions or marginal growth.
• Canada's services sector contracted for a second month, with a PMI of 49.0, as tariff uncertainty dampened business confidence despite lower interest rates.
• Emerging markets showed varied trends: Russia saw its fastest services growth in a year, India experienced a slowdown, and China's growth softened due to weaker demand and tariff tensions.

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