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Useful statistics to know this week

This week was a big week for economic stats with a number of positive developments. Production saw a big increase in the year while the registration of new vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, has shot ahead of last year's figures. The improvement in consumer sentiment after the fall in August is encouraging, even if inflation remains weak.

Henry Street, Dublin

Consumer Sentiment up again in September

  • After falling in August to 87.1 the consumer sentiment index jumped to 92.8
  • The index of current economic conditions increases to 103.3, from 98.3 in August
  • The index of consumer expectations rose in September, to 85.7 from 79.6 last month

To find out more check out KBC/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index.

New cars see a big rise

  • The number of new private cars licensed for the first time increased by 34.4% to 4,376 in September 2014 compared to September 2013
  • The number of new goods vehicles licensed in September 2014 was 1,485, up 52.8% from September 2013.
  • The highest number of new private cars licensed in September 2014, classified by make, was Volkswagen (592) followed by Toyota (376), Ford (354) and Renault (323)

To find out more check out CSO Vehicles Registered for the First Time.

Services up in August

  • The CSO Monthly Services Index saw an increase of 5.1% in August compared with the same period last year
  • Information and Communications and a Transport saw increases

To find out more check out CSO Monthly Services Index.

Slight rise in prices in September

  • Prices on average, as measured by the CSO's Consumer Price Index, were 0.3% higher in September compared with September 2013
  • There were increases in the price of education, alcohol and cigarettes and in the hospitality industry
  • The price of food, transport and clothing fell

To find out more check out CSO Consumer Price Index.

Production LineProduction up by one fifth since last August

  • Production for August 2014 increased by 21.2% when compared with August 2013
  • On an annual basis turnover increased by 17.8% when compared with August 2013

To find out more check out CSO Industrial Production and Turnover.

Sharpest rise in new services business since May 2006

  • The new business index reached 64.9, according to Investec's monthly Services Purchasing Managers' Index
  • The overall business activity index was 62.5, the 26th month in a row that activity has increased
  • Confidence remained high at 77.1 and employment continued to grow with the index at 59.2

To find out more check out Investec Services PMI.