New figures show that the service sector of the economy grew again in September, but at the slowest rate for more than four years.
NCB's Purchasing Managers' Services Index recorded 54.8, down from 57 in August. Any figure above 50 means growth in the sector.
NCB economist Eunan King said companies blamed weakness in the construction sector, as well as the crisis in credit markets.
A breakdown showed that the rate of growth in new business orders slowed to a four-year low of 54.1. Employment continued to grow, but the 52.9 figure was the lowest since June 2004.
The input costs index, which measures costs for companies, recorded 64.7, its highest level for six months. Companies said staff salaries and fuel costs rose sharply. Prices charged by service firms rose only slightly, with this index recording 51.6.
Profitability fell marginally, due to increased costs and competition, with the index falling from 53.7 in August to 48.4.
