Irish manufacturing defies war fears as employment climbs despite 'intense' inflation        

Fears have been growing that a potential slump in consumer spending as the war helps drive inflation to its highest for many decades could lead to stagflation 

Azov regiment members walk with civilians during UN-led evacuations from the sprawling Azovstal steel plant, after nearly two months of siege warfare on the city by Russia during its invasion, in Mariupol.

Irish manufacturing defied fears of any marked slowdown in activity in April despite the Ukraine war, as employment climbed and cost inflation pressures for factories  "remained intense", a major survey has found. 

The AIB Irish Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index posted a strong reading of just over 59 - where any reading above 50 means activity is expanding and not stagnating. The survey will likely boost hopes that the Irish economy could escape the worst effects of the war.