-- China's service sector expanded faster in April as the country's service companies saw heightened activity and new business, according to a private reading released Wednesday.
The RatingDog China General Services Business Activity Index accelerated to 52.6 in April from 52.1 in March, surpassing forecasts of 52, according to Seeking Alpha.
The faster expansion came as new business grew, with new orders increasing for the 40th straight month, according to RatingDog.
The private reading contrasts with the official non-manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index, which contracted to 49.4 in April.
New work came amid improved market conditions, business innovation, new projects, and the launch of new products and other promotional activities, RatingDog said.
Outstanding workloads also grew during the month, while average input prices also increased in line with rising fuel prices.
Despite the rise in oil prices, overall pressure stayed "modest," the report said, citing founder Yao Yu.
"In this environment, service providers continued to reduce their charges slightly to boost competitiveness, with the selling prices index, remaining in contraction territory for the second month running. Service demand was strongest in the domestic markets, with new export business falling for the second straight month," Yao said in a statement.
The rate of inflation surged to the highest in 2026 but stayed "below the long-run survey trend," according to RatingDog.
The Composite Output Index also grew to 53.1 in April from 51.5 in March, the second-fastest since May 2024, according to RatingDog.