up from April’s seven-month low of 50.7 and in line with market forecasts. The latest reading signaled a stronger expansion in the services sector, supported by faster growth in new business and activity, despite a renewed decline in new export orders. New export orders fell for the first time in 2025, dampened by Trump's tariffs. Employment increased for the first time in three months, with the rate growth being the fastest since last November. Meanwhile, the backlogs of work rose at a softer rate. Regarding prices, input cost inflation accelerated to a six-month high, driven by higher staff expenses and purchase prices. Output prices dropped for the fourth consecutive month, amid efforts to support sales in a highly competitive market. Finally, business sentiment strengthened due to hopes of improvements in global conditions.