FX.co ★ Irish Services Sector Growth Hits 8-Month High

The AIB Ireland Services PMI rose to 55.2 in July 2026 from 54.2 in June, reaching its highest level since November 2025. The pick-up in services activity was driven by a solid increase in new business, supported by stronger overseas demand, with the fastest overall expansion in new work since December 2024.

Technology, media and telecommunications remained the strongest-performing sector, posting its sharpest growth in nearly three years. Overall new business inflows continued to rise at a robust pace, though slightly less quickly than in June. Employment also increased, with the pace of job creation accelerating.

On the price front, input cost inflation eased for the third consecutive month, retreating from April’s 40-month high to a rate broadly in line with the long-run survey average. In turn, output price inflation also moderated for the third straight month, slipping to a five-month low, although it remained above its long-run trend.

Finally, business confidence strengthened to an eight-month high, underpinned by optimism about stronger economic growth.