Mumbai, July 24 -- At 60.7 in July, the HSBC Flash India Composite Output Index was little-changed from June's final print of 61.0 and therefore signalled another substantial rate of growth. Moreover, the headline figure remained well above its long-run average of 54.8.

Operating conditions across India's private sector continued to improve in July, with data showing sharp expansions in total sales, export orders and output levels.

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 ease...