Activity in the financial services, technology and leisure sectors grew by its fastest pace in 18 months in October, prompting an increase in employment .

JOB losses in the services sector has halted for the first time in more than a year following an increase in numbers employed in September.

THE service sector of the Irish economy is expanding rapidly, in sharp contrast to the manufacturing sector, according to the NCB Purchasing Managers’ Service Index.

THE rate of decline of the manufacturing industry has slowed but employers are still shedding jobs and dropping prices, the NCB Purchasing Managers’ Index indicates.

THE European services industry, including companies such as airlines and banks, grew for the first time this year in July, another sign consumer and corporate spending is picking up and spurring economic growth.

THE fall in Irish manufacturing in June was almost four times greater than the European average and in sharp contrast with our largest trading partner, Britain, where manufacturing grew.

IRELAND’S service sector contracted in May in line with the rest of the eurozone but in sharp contrast to the country’s largest traded partner Britain.

THE dollar rose to a seven-day high against the euro in New York trading as signs the world’s biggest economy is strengthening lured investors to US assets such as stocks and corporate bonds.