The volume of new business recorded by Brazil’s service sector rose last month, the first monthly increase since February last year, according to the latest Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index.

“The latest rise in new work was only slight, but ended a 19-month sequence of uninterrupted contraction,” says the Markit financial services firm.

Overall, Brazil’s service sector PMI contracted last month, to 43.9, down from 45.3 the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates expanding business activity.

“The rebound in new business provides relief to service providers, but many will question whether this marks the turning point for Brazil after a prolonged period of economic malaise or if this was a one-off occurrence,” Markit added.