The S&P Global Services PMI rose to 58.3 in September 2026 from 57.8 in August and better than market forecasts of 56.8. The latest data indicated that growth in the services sector accelerated during the month, matching July’s recent peak, the strongest level recorded since May 2023. The increase in activity was broad-based, with Consumer Services, Commercial & Professional Services, and Financials & Real Estate recording particularly notable gains. New business continued to rise for a fifth straight month, although the pace of growth slowed. Meanwhile, exports fell for the first time since May, amid concerns over the Middle East war and AI-related spending. Employment growth was sustained, and the latest increase was marked and above the survey average. On the price front, cost pressures intensified significantly.