The AIB Irish Services PMI for April shows a first decline in activity since February 2021, with the index falling to 49.7 from 50.7 in March. Activity levels waned due to contractions in new and outstanding business and rising costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The Irish services PMI was ahead of the flash Eurozone PMI at 47.4; but behind the UK and US PMIs at 52.0 and 51.3, respectively.