New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- India's private-sector business activity rose to a four-month high in October, with early survey data pointing to a faster expansion in both manufacturing and services, supported by stronger new orders and easing inflationary pressures.

According to HSBC's Flash India Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), released on Friday, firms secured higher volumes of new business and remained optimistic about the year-ahead outlook due to easing of inflationary pressure.

The flash survey, an advance estimate ahead of the final PMI readings, offers an early indication of shifts in economic sentiment and output.

The HSBC Flash India PMI Composite Output Index, a seasonally adjusted measure of month-on-month changes in the combined...