Moneycontrol Eco Pulse Rises to 51.4: Consumption, Manufacturing Drive February Growth

• India's economic activity increased in February, with the Moneycontrol Eco Pulse Index reaching 51.4 from 51.1 in January, signaling expansion.
• The improvement was primarily driven by robust consumption indicators, including sustained retail spending, mobility, and payments.
• Manufacturing also contributed to the momentum, with the HSBC Manufacturing PMI hitting a four-month high of 56.9.
• Labor market indicators showed improvement, with the Naukri Job Index rising and urban unemployment easing to 6.6 percent.
• Despite positive trends, some sectors like natural gas consumption and electricity demand showed signs of strain, and external risks are building due to geopolitical events.