Australia Services PMI Hits 3-Month Low in September as Job Cuts Return

Key Facts

1The S&P Global Australia Services PMI eased to 51.9 in September from 53.2 in August.

2Services employment fell for the first time since May as input cost and output price inflation accelerated.

The S&P Global Australia Services PMI eased to 51.9 in September from 53.2 in August, according to data reported by investinglive.com. Services employment fell for the first time since May as input cost and output price inflation accelerated, marking a three-month low for growth in the sector.

While the reading remained above the 50-point expansion threshold for a fourth consecutive month, business confidence fell to a three-month low due to rising costs, particularly fuel. This softening in activity follows the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to hold interest rates at 4.6% on September 29, 2026, as policymakers continue to monitor persistent price pressures that remain above historical averages.