New Delhi, July 24 -- Operating conditions across India's private sector continued to improve in July, with the latest HSBC 'flash' PMI data showing sharp expansions in total sales, export orders and output levels, according to S&P Global.

On the price front, there were quicker increases in both input costs and output charges.

"While business confidence remained positive, it retreated to its lowest mark in close to two-and-a-half years as some panellists were concerned about competition and inflationary pressures. Subsequently, job creation eased to the weakest rate in 15 months," the PMI report said.

At 60.7 in July, the HSBC Flash India Composite* Output Index - a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in t...