Reuters · 23 Oct, 05:06 · Business briefing

India October business growth hits 4-month high; hiring stalls, PMI shows

India’s Purchasing Managers’ Index indicates business activity expanded at its strongest pace in four months during October.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

India’s Purchasing Managers’ Index indicates business activity expanded at its strongest pace in four months during October. However, this growth was accompanied by a contraction in employment, as firms reduced headcount. This divergence suggests companies are prioritising efficiency and cost-cutting over expansion. While output and new orders improved, hiring stalled, reflecting cautious sentiment among employers. Professionals should note this trend of growth without job creation, highlighting a shift towards operational optimisation rather than workforce expansion in the current economic climate.

Employer demand for Project Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This divergence between growth and hiring signals a pivotal shift. You must adapt to a landscape where efficiency trumps headcount expansion. Focus on skills that demonstrate immediate value and operational agility. Data-driven decision-making becomes critical, as organisations seek to maximise output with fewer resources. You should prioritise upskilling in areas like project management and strategic planning to show you can deliver results efficiently. Avoid roles dependent on volume-based growth; instead, position yourself as a problem-solver who enhances productivity. Review your current skill set against industry demands for lean operations. Proactively seek opportunities to streamline processes within your team. Your career resilience now depends on proving you can drive growth without requiring additional hires, making adaptability and strategic insight your most valuable assets.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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