ABU DHABI- 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.