LONDON (AFX) - The UK Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply reported that its service sector Business Activity index fell to a seasonally adjusted 46.3 in October from a downwardly revised 47.9 the previous month, according to market sources. Roy Ayliffe, director of professional practice at the CIPS, said confidence was hit by attacks on the US and that the business activity index was the worst figures since records began in July 1996. The following table provides a breakdown of the results of the CIPS' latest survey. A reading above 50 signals expansion; below it contraction. The greater the divergence the more rapid the rate of change. All figures, with the exception of business expectations, are seasonally adjusted. Oct Sep Aug Business activity 46.3 48.1 50.9 New business 46.4 47.9 49.3 Outstanding business 45.2 46.9 47.3 Business expectations 63.3 64.1 69.1 Employment 48.3 50.2 50.4 Prices charged 49.8 51.5 51.4 Input prices 53.8 54.3 54.7