new delhi, Nov. 5 -- Iandia's services sector activity expanded at its fastest pace in four months in October, driven by strong demand, according to HSBC's India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data released by S&P Global on Wednesday. The seasonally adjusted Services Business Activity Index rose to 55.8 in October from 55.2 in September. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, and the index remained above its long-run average. The composite PMI, a weighted average of the manufacturing output and services business activity indices, rose to 56.2 in October from 55.9 in September, also reaching a four-month high on the back of stronger services and manufacturing activity. The increase in services output was attributed to new business growth, with sales rising at their fastest pace in five months. Firms reported higher new orders amid favourable demand conditions, new client wins and successful advertising campaigns. All four broad service categories monitored by the survey recorded faster growth in output and new business. Finance and insurance led expansion on both measures, while real estate and business services ranked last. Domestic demand drove services sales in October. New export orders rose modestly, but their rate of expansion was the weakest since February 2023. Input costs increased marginally, at the slowest pace in more than six years and well below their long-run trend. Some firms reported higher spending on electricity, labour, raw materials and transportation....