Activity in services sector still in decline

Business activity among the services sectors declined for the second consecutive month in June, but higher export orders — to regions such as Britain and the Middle East — were also seen.

The latest monthly services sector purchasing managers’ index from NCB Stockbrokers also showed declines in staffing levels, profitability and confidence levels among respondent companies.

The overall fall in business activity in the sector was driven by continued weak client confidence levels; but was only fractional and noticeably weaker than the decline measured in May.