Growth in Saudi non-oil activity quickens in September-PMI
ABU DHABI, Oct 3 (Reuters) -The pace of growth in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four month high in September, a survey showed on Thursday, as strong demand supported faster growth in new orders.
The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 56.3 from 54.8 in August, the highest reading since May, and well above the 50.0 mark denoting growth.
The sub index for New Orders surged to 59.3 in September from 56.8 the previous month, having slowed to a 22-month low in July, as stronger domestic demand boosted sales growth.
A pick up in demand combined with more project approvals helped lift overall non-oil business activity levels with the Output sub index rising to 59.7 in September from August's 58.1 reading, but remained slightly below its long-run average.
"Businesses are responding to stronger domestic demand, which plays a critical role in reducing Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil revenues," Naif Al-Ghaith, Riyad Bank's chief economist said.
"This growth in the non-oil sector is particularly significant given the current context of oil production cuts and declining global oil prices."
Saudi Arabia is projecting wider fiscal deficits over the next few years as it increases spending to meet its Vision 2030 economic plan goals but it estimates non-oil activity growth at 3.7% this year, from an average of almost 6% over the last three years.
Confidence among firms about the 12-month business outlook eased in September from August's five month high.
Reporting by Rachna Uppal; Editing by Toby Chopra
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