OREANDA-NEWS The business activity index (PMI) of the manufacturing industries of the Russian Federation in April fell to 52.6 points from 53.2 points in March, nevertheless demonstrating moderate improvements in business conditions, the S&P Global agency said.

"The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Russia Manufacturing PMI index was 52.6 points in April compared to 53.2 points in March, which indicates a moderate improvement in business conditions in the Russian manufacturing sector. Although the growth rate is declining for the second month in a row and has become the lowest since January," the report says.

The index value above 50 points indicates an increase in economic activity, below — its decline.

Previously, this index was called IHS Markit PMI, but now the Markit research organization is part of S&P Global.