Stocks of finished goods among Irish manufacturers increased at the fastest rate in the 21-year series history, according to the latest Purchasers Manufacturing Index from AIB. Overall, manufacturing output slowed to a 13-month low last month. Any reading over 50 is deemed growth, therefore manufacturing output continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate than the previous month. "Despite falling in April, the Irish manufacturing PMI continues to outperform its eurozone counterpart, with stood at 47.8 in its first reading in April," said AIB chief economist Oliver Mangan. Inflows of new business increased at the slowest pace since September 2016, as firms observed softer demand conditions in both domestic and international markets.

Source: Irish Independent May 01, 2019 01:30 UTC