merrion street

A quieter week for stats releases with  good news for the motor industry as the number of vehicles licensed for the first time remained strong, while further evidence released showing that the recovery in the construction sector in continuing.

Prices fall in October

• The Consumer Price Index fell by 0.2% in the month of October and by 0.2% in the year to October
• In the year the big movers were Transport (down by 5.4%) and Clothing and Footwear (down by 2.3%). Education rose by 3.8%
• Transport decreased mainly due to lower petrol and diesel prices and a reduction in the price of motor cars which was partially offset by an increase in air, bus and taxi fares. Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages fell due to lower prices across a range of products such as meat, bread & cereals and milk & cheese.

To find out more check out CSO Consumer Price Index

27.9% increase in the number of new private cars licensed in October

• In October, 3943 cars were registered for the first time in October. That's 861 more than last October.
• New goods vehicles saw a smaller rise of 11% or 162 more than last October
• The most popular make of car was Volkswagen, followed by Ford and BMW

To find out more check out CSO Vehicles Licensed for the First Time

Residential Sector leads growth in construction

• The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index posted a headline figure of 56.3 in October. A Purchasing Managers' Index is an indicator where any result above 50 indicates growth in the sector
• Within the headline figure housing lead the way, posting 57.4, followed by Commercial activity (55.7) and Civil Engineering (54.5)

To find out more check out Ulster Bank Construction PMI.