FX.co ★ Ireland’s Services Sector Slips Back Into Contraction as AIB PMI Falls Below 50

Ireland’s services economy moved back into contraction territory in April, as the AIB Ireland Services PMI dipped to 49.7 from 50.7 in March 2026, according to data updated on 06 May 2026.

The latest reading, sliding below the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction, marks a reversal after March’s marginal growth. The prior figure of 50.7 had suggested the sector was barely expanding, but April’s 49.7 underscores renewed weakness in Ireland’s services activity.

The shift signals a cooling in services momentum just as markets had been watching for signs of a more durable recovery. With the index now under 50, investors and policymakers will be closely tracking upcoming data to see whether April represents a brief setback or the start of a more persistent slowdown in the sector.