The AIB Ireland Services PMI Business Activity Index edged up to 54.3 in October 2026 from 54.1 in September, signaling a sixth consecutive month of expansion, although growth remained below its long-run average. Technology, Media & Telecom continued to lead sectoral growth, followed by Transport, Tourism & Leisure and Business Services, while Financial Services recorded the slowest expansion. New business continued to increase solidly, albeit at a softer pace, with international demand broadly stagnating. Employment also rose modestly, while outstanding business declined for the first time in five months. On the price front, input cost inflation accelerated to a five-month high, driven mainly by higher fuel, energy and wage costs, while service charges increased at their fastest pace since February 2023. Lastly, business sentiment weakened to a six-month low as inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty weighed on the 12-month outlook.