New Delhi, Oct. 25 -- India's private sector growth eased to a five-month low in October, mainly due to a slowdown in services, even as manufacturing output showed resilience.

According to the HSBC Flash India Composite Output Index, compiled by S&P Global, overall business activity slipped to 59.9 in October from 61.0 in September.

While readings above 50 indicate expansion, the dip points to moderation in growth momentum. The manufacturing sector, however, saw an uptick, with the Flash Manufacturing PMI rising to 58.4 from 57.7.

The services sector lagged behind, with the Flash Services PMI falling to 58.8 from 60.9 in September.

Economists attributed the improvement in manufacturing to lower input costs and steady demand, supported...