A survey has shown that activity in the services sector of the economy fell last month for the first time since March.
The NCB Services Purchasing Managers' Index fell from 52.9 in August to 48.8. Any number below 50 means activity fell. A similar survey for the manufacturing sector last week showed the first drop since February.
The services report showed that a slowdown in the wider economy led to a drop in new business in September. The new business index fell from 53.9 to 47.8, though new exports orders increased again.
Although employment at services companies fell again, the drop was only marginal and was the smallest for almost two years.
Companies said lower salaries led to another reduction in their costs, but prices charged by companies fell at an even faster rate, with strong competition for business the main factor. The input costs index was 47.2, while the charges index was 42.1.
