Hybrid work critical for workplace wellness, survey finds
New research from Ibec shows that flexible or hybrid working arrangements remain a critical factor for employee workplace wellness. The survey of more than 1,000 people found that 68% of employees highlighted hybrid or flexible work as key to their wellbeing, with 35% saying they would be willing to leave a high-paying job for one […]
US exempts smartphones, computers from global tariffs
The US government has granted tariff exclusions for smartphones, computers and other electronics imported largely from China, sparing them from President Donald Trump’s steep 125% reciprocal duties. In a notice to shippers, the US Customs and Border Protection agency published a list of tariff codes that will be excluded from the duties. The exclusions are […]
EU should ‘be careful’ in tariff talks with US – Chambers
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said that the European Union needs “to be careful about what we put on the table” in tariff negotiations with the United States. Speaking RTÉ’s This Week, Mr Chambers said lowering tariffs between countries has been the basis of prosperity built over decades. “We want to preserve the […]
First time buyers struggling to save a deposit – PTSB research
A new survey of homeowners, renters and prospective buyers reveals a big jump in younger age groups saying they are considering applying for social housing in response to housing affordability concerns. PTSB’s latest Reflecting Ireland research shows that 46% of people who are in the market to buy a home are now considering applying for […]
Oil prices set to drop for a second week over US-China trade war concerns
Oil prices rose today after settling more than $2 a barrel lower in the previous session, but were set to drop for a second week in a row on concerns over a prolonged trade war between the US and China. Brent futures rose 90 cents, or 1.4%, to $64.23 a barrel this morning, while US […]
Annual inflation rises to 2% in March – CSO
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the country’s inflation rate rose to 2% on an annual basis in March compared to 1.8% a month earlier. This marked the first time that inflation has been at, or above, 2% since July 2024 when the rate of inflation was 2.2%. The CSO said that […]
Oil falls to lowest since February 2021 as Trump’s tariffs take effect
Oil prices fell for a fifth day to their lowest since February 2021 today on looming demand concerns fuelled by an escalating tariff war between the US and China, the world’s two biggest economies, and a rising supply outlook. Brent futures dropped $1.39, or 2.21%, to $61.43 a barrel early this morning. US West Texas […]
Stocks tumble again as US hits China with 104% tariffs
European and Asian stocks extended a slide on Wall Street this morning as President Donald Trump pressed ahead with whopping 104% tariffs on Chinese goods, pummelling oil prices to four-year lows as global recession fears gripped financial markets. London’s FTSE index had dropped 2.2% in opening trade, while the Paris CAC was down 2.8% and […]
Tariff supports have to be ‘sustainable’ – Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said any supports to help businesses affected by US tariffs needs to be “financially sustainable” in the medium and long-term. He was responding to calls for the introduction of a wage subsidy scheme in response to the tariffs. During Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, Labour leader Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach […]
Trade war threat to impact housing market this year – report
The threat of a trade war will influence how the housing market will perform this year, according to a new report by property website MyHome.ie, in association with Bank of Ireland. The report says the Irish property market has a “disproportionate reliance” on high income earners working in multinational sector, which leaves it vulnerable to […]
Construction activity rises amid stronger new order growth – AIB PMI
Construction activity rose in March – the first increase in total activity in three months – amid stronger new order growth, the latest Purchasing Managers Index from AIB shows. The AIB Ireland Construction Total Activity Index moved back above the 50 no-change mark in March to reach 53.9, up from 48.7 in February, marking the […]
Grocery sales in Ireland increase by 3.4% in March
New figures today show that take-home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 3.4% over the four weeks to March 23 compared to the same time last year. Kantar said this marks the slowest market growth rate since November 2022, despite St Patrick’s Day celebrations and Pancake Tuesday falling during the period under review. Kantar also […]
Oil tumbles further as US-China trade tensions fuel recession fears
Oil prices slid more than 3% today, extending last week’s losses, as escalating trade tensions between the US and China stoked fears of a recession that would reduce demand for crude. Brent futures declined $1.41, or 2.15%, to $64.17 a barrel in early trade, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost $1.35, or 2.18%, […]
World markets dive on trade war gloom
European markets plunged this morning as investors grappled with the possibility of a recession after sweeping tariffs announced by US last week. US President Donald Trump showed no sign of backing away from the tariff plans despite retaliation from China, pushing investors to price in interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank and the […]
EU response to Trump tariffs could amount to €400bn
The total European Union response to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs could amount to duties on US goods worth €400 billion, RTÉ News understands. This would represent retaliation for the US tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminium, last Wednesday’s “reciprocal” tariffs of 20% on most EU exports, and the 25% tariffs on European car […]
Trump tariffs provoke condemnation as recession fears grow
Countries around the world have threatened to wage a trade war with the United States as President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs fed expectations for a global downturn and sharp price hikes for swathes of goods in the world’s biggest consumer market. The penalties announced by Mr Trump on Wednesday triggered a plunge in world financial […]
Tax waivers, grants could bring vacant properties into use, says group
Vacant properties and above-the-shop units could provide an answer to the housing crisis, according to the Hardware Association of Ireland. It estimates that there are at least 20,000 vacant units of this type ready for transformation. The association is the representative body for Irish hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, distributers and manufacturers. It represents […]
Tax take to end of March up nearly 9% on same period last year
Tax receipts in the first three months of the year were up 8.9% on the same time last year. Figures from the Department of Finance show the tax take stood at €21.9 billion at the end of March. This is excluding a payment of €1.7bn which was part of a settlement made by Apple. The […]