2016.10.0301:38:00UTC+00Ireland Manufacturing Sector Expands At Slower Pace

Ireland's business conditions improved at the end of the third quarter, though the rate of growth eased since last month, survey figures from Markit Economics showed Monday.

The seasonally adjusted Investec Purchasing Managers' Index, or PMI, dropped to 51.3 in September from 51.7 in August. However, any reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.

New orders increased for the second successive month in September. This was boosted by a return to growth of new export orders. Consequently, production rose slightly during the month.

Manufacturing employment broadly unchanged in September, ending a 39-month sequence of job creation. Meanwhile, firms increased their purchasing activity for the first time in three months.

On the price front, input price inflation eased since August, while output prices grew at a faster pace.