FX.co ★ Irish Services Growth Hits 9-Month High

The AIB Ireland Services PMI edged up to 55.4 in August 2026 from 55.2 in July, reaching its highest level since November 2025. The pickup in services activity was driven by a solid rise in new business, supported by stronger overseas demand, although the pace of that demand was somewhat softer than in July. Overall, new business growth accelerated in August, coming close to June’s seven-month high.

Among sectors, financial services recorded the strongest performance, followed by technology, media & telecoms. Employment levels were unchanged, after July saw the fastest pace of job creation in six months.

On the price front, input costs rose for the first time in four months. Input price inflation moved further above the survey’s long-run average, though it was still the second-weakest reading in six months. At the same time, output price inflation accelerated for the first time in four months.

Looking ahead, business confidence strengthened to its highest level since February 2025, underpinned by optimism around new business, investment, marketing initiatives, planned expansions, and upcoming projects.