January service sector growth weakest since 2013

While the pace of expansion is still strong, the figures signal a slower start to the year for the Irish economy

Confidence among service providers slumps. Pic: Getty

Figures released this morning indicate thatthe Irish economy may have made a slower start to 2019, with service sector growth easing to its slowest pace since May 2013.

The AIB Ireland Services PMI, compiled by IHS Markit, measures activity in the sector, with any figure above 50 indicating growth.

The January index fell to 54.2, down from 56.3 in December. The new orders part of the index dropped to its lowest level since ...