14/11/2016

Latest Purchasing Managers' Index 'Mixed Blessing' For Businesses

The latest figures from the Ulster Bank's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) have shown a modest rise in private sector business activity.

The Index revealed that while growth in NI was weaker than in the rest on the UK, export orders saw a substantial increase. The retail sector led the overall increase in business activity, closely followed by manufacturing and services.

However, the construction sector noted a decline on output and was the only sector to reduce staffing levels.

Chief economist at Ulster Bank, Richard Ramsey, described the results as a "mixed blessing".

He said that in terms of the EU referendum vote, a fall in the value of sterling against the euro has led to export price competitiveness, some respondents to the survey noted increased uncertainty was negatively affecting orders.

The report can be read in full on the Ulster Economix website.

(MH/LM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

16 April 2024
Alliance Criticises Religious Orders Over Redress Scheme Failures
The Alliance Party have accused religious orders and institutions of "paying lip service" to making a fair and meaningful contribution to redress and recognition of victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse of children.
28 February 2024
SDLP 'Disbelief' Over Origin Of £400m Reallocated Funding
The SDLP have expressed their "disbelief" over the Executive's failure to clarify what impact a remaining £400m in reallocated funding could have on public sector bodies and community organisations. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in the Assembly on Tuesday.
25 April 2024
Other News In Brief
22-Year-Old Sentenced For 'Behaviour Likely To Stir Up Hatred' A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for the offence of 'behaviour likely to stir up hatred', after a video was posted online in June 2023, showing people singing an offensive song relating to Michaela McAreavey.
07 March 2024
Economy Minister Urges Businesses To 'Grasp The Opportunities'
The Windsor Framework protects the all-Ireland economy and "cross-border trade is surging", Economy Minister Conor Murphy has a trade conference. Speaking to more than 300 business and trade delegates at the Newry and Dundalk Chambers' Annual Cross-Border Conference which focused on 'Building a Sustainable All-Island Economy'.
13 March 2024
Last Chance To Enter Remarkable Marketing Awards
There's just one day left to enter Northern Ireland's inaugural marketing awards aimed at recognising the talent and hard work of individual marketers across the country. Nominations for the The Remarkable Marketing Awards are now open until midnight 14th March.