Ireland: Composite PMI eases in December
The AIB Ireland Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 51.5 in December from November’s 52.3. Consequently, the index remained above the 50.0 no-change mark, pointing to a continued, albeit moderating, improvement in private sector operating conditions from the previous month.
Looking at a breakdown by sector, AIB Ireland Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 48.9 in December from November’s 50.0, with production and new orders falling. Employment in the sector was stable, input inflation rose while output inflation remained negative. Business sentiment improved for the first time since August.
Lastly, AIB Ireland Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 53.2 in December from November’s 54.2 on weaker growth of output, new business and employment. Input and output inflation rose, while business sentiment in the sector strengthened.