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BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's service sector began 2025 on a positive note, with business activity growth reaching a six-month high and employment seeing a modest rise, a survey showed on Wednesday.
The HCOB final services Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 52.5 in January from 51.2 in December, in line with the preliminary reading.
"This is an encouraging start to the year. Growth seems to have a chance again," said Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, noting that the composite PMI had climbed above the 50-point mark for the first time in seven months.
PMI readings above 50.0 signal growth in activity, while those below indicate contraction.
The survey highlighted optimism among firms, driven by hopes of a post-election economic boost and lower interest rates.
Despite the positive start, underlying demand remained weak, the survey showed. Client uncertainty and a lack of public sector projects were cited as factors dampening demand, alongside a notable drop in new business from abroad.
Looking ahead, service providers expressed the highest level of confidence in eight months, anticipating economic recovery and new market opportunities.
(Reporting by Maria Martinez; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
