BEIJING — China’s non-manufacturing activity held steady in September as business growth in the service industry continued to accelerate, an official monthly survey showed on Oct 1.

The purchasing managers index (PMI) for the non-manufacturing sector stayed at 53.4 in September, unchanged from August, according to a report released jointly by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 represents contraction.

The sub-index for business expectations rose to 60 in September, up from 59.7 in August. The new order sub-index rebounded to 50.2 from 49.6, back to expansion territory.

The figures reflected steady growth in the non-manufacturing sector and confidence in the market, said NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe.

Non-manufacturing PMI tracks business activities of the service and construction industries.

The sub-index for service industry increased to 53 from 52.6 in August, indicating service businesses expanded at a faster pace.

Meanwhile, the sub-index for the construction industry continued to retreat, down to 55.2 in September from 57.8 in August, suggesting slower growth in construction activity.