Australia's AiG Performance of Services Index is up 8.1 points to 47.1 in September - the highest reading since March 2013

Australia's AiG Performance of Services Index is up 8.1 points to 47.1 in September - the highest reading since March 2013. However, while the key activity indicators improved across the sector, they remained below the crucial 50 point level that separates contraction from expansion. Across the sub-sectors, health and community services continued to expand - up 1.9 points to 55.8 points. It was, however, the only sub-sector in the black in September. Cautious consumer spending continues to hamper growth in accommodation, cafes and restaurants (36.3 points), retail trade (42.6 points) and personal and recreational services (43.9 points, all in three-month moving averages). Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said, Business and consumer confidence appears to have lifted since the Federal election in early September, but benefits in terms of actual sales and activity to date are muted.