Nearly one in five workers expect to delay retirement until 70
A significant proportion of people in Ireland believe that retiring before later life is financially unrealistic, according to new research on retirement expectations. The latest Retirement Age Financial Feasibility Survey from Royal London Ireland shows that 18 percent of workers feel they will not be able to afford retirement until they reach the age of […]
Construction activity continues to contract, though signs of stabilisation emerge
Activity across Ireland’s construction sector declined again in December, marking the eighth consecutive month of contraction, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index from AIB. The survey shows that output fell across all three areas covered, residential, commercial and civil engineering. The pace of decline eased in each category, with residential construction recording the mildest […]
Stamp prices set to rise in February as An Post responds to falling volumes
The cost of sending letters in Ireland is due to increase from early February, with An Post confirming higher prices for both domestic and international mail. From Tuesday 3 February, the price of a national stamp will rise by 20 cent, increasing from €1.65 to €1.85. This follows a previous increase of 25 cent introduced […]
Stamp prices set to rise as An Post responds to falling letter volumes
An Post has confirmed that the cost of sending letters will increase from Tuesday, 3 February, with changes affecting both domestic and international post. The price of a standard national stamp will rise by 20 cent, moving from €1.65 to €1.85. For international mail, a new €3.50 stamp will be introduced for letters sent anywhere […]
Gold reaches record levels as political tensions drive demand for safe-haven assets
Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels today, reflecting heightened investor anxiety amid escalating geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty around US monetary policy leadership. Spot gold climbed sharply, trading around $4,585 per ounce after briefly breaking above the $4,600 mark for the first time. US gold futures for February delivery also advanced strongly, signalling sustained demand […]
Report highlights €8.3bn economic boost from stronger SME digital investment
A new economic assessment suggests that significantly increasing digital investment among Irish small and medium-sized enterprises could deliver a substantial boost to the wider economy. The research estimates that doubling the current average level of digital spend by SMEs has the potential to add €8.3 billion to Ireland’s economic output. The findings come from a […]
What Could the Mercosur Deal Mean for Irish Shoppers?
Irish households have experienced sustained pressure on food budgets over recent years, with the cost of everyday groceries rising sharply. Products such as beef, butter, milk and cheese have recorded some of the fastest price increases across the European Union, leaving many consumers questioning whether international trade agreements might eventually ease the strain. Recent figures […]
Consumer Confidence Ends 2025 Muted Despite Solid Economic Growth
Irish consumer confidence closed out 2025 at a relatively low level, reflecting persistent concerns about living costs even as headline economic indicators pointed to continued growth. The latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey shows sentiment edging up marginally in December to 61.2, from 61 in November. The movement is modest and does little to alter […]
First Home Scheme Supports Nearly 5,000 Purchases Since Launch
New figures from the latest quarterly update show that the First Home Scheme has played a significant role in helping buyers access newly built homes since its introduction in 2022. To date, 4,887 homes have been purchased or self-built with the support of the scheme, while more than 9,000 applications have received approval. Activity remained […]
Euro Zone Inflation Returns to Target as Outlook Points to Further Softening
Inflation across the euro zone slowed in line with expectations at the end of last year, reaching the European Central Bank’s 2% target and setting the stage for potential undershooting in 2026. Latest figures from Eurostat show that headline inflation eased to 2% in December, down slightly from 2.1% the previous month. The outcome matched […]
UK House Prices Ease to Six-Month Low at Year End
UK house prices edged lower in December, bringing the average property value to its lowest point in six months, according to the latest Halifax house price index. Data from Halifax shows that average property prices fell by 0.6% over the month, a decline of £1,789, leaving the typical UK home valued at £297,755. This marked […]
House Price Growth Shows Signs of Easing in Late 2025
Ireland’s residential property market appears to be moving into a more measured phase, with the latest MyHome report pointing to a slowdown in price momentum towards the end of 2025. According to the report, produced in association with Bank of Ireland, national asking prices rose by 5.4% in the final quarter of the year. This […]
Government outlines major tourism and enterprise investment drive
The Government is set to unveil a significant new investment programme aimed at strengthening Ireland’s appeal as a global tourism destination, with a particular focus on visitors from India, the United Arab Emirates and the wider Asia-Pacific region. As part of the announcement, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will publish a €4.7 billion […]
How to upskill or reskill for free in 2026
With the pace of change in the workplace accelerating, many people are reassessing their skills and long-term career prospects. Technological advances, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping roles across almost every sector, prompting growing interest in upskilling or reskilling as a way to stay relevant and employable. Developing new skills is not limited to those who […]
Avant Money cuts mortgage rates and boosts cashback incentives
Mortgage lender Avant Money has announced a series of changes to its mortgage products, including lower fixed rates and enhanced cashback offers for borrowers. The lender confirmed that fixed mortgage rates have been reduced by up to 0.35 per cent. In addition, cashback incentives have been increased, with customers now able to receive 2 per […]
Fuel Industry Warns of Further Increases in Petrol and Diesel Prices
Motorists are being warned to prepare for higher fuel costs following a series of policy measures that came into effect at the start of the year. Fuels for Ireland has urged the Government to re-examine the current fuel taxation framework, arguing that recent changes are placing additional strain on households and businesses. The industry body […]
Irish House Prices Close in on Celtic Tiger Highs
Residential property prices continued to climb throughout last year, with new data showing that average asking prices nationally rose by 5.5%. The latest report from Daft.ie highlights that listed prices are now only around 10% below their peak during the Celtic Tiger period. By the final quarter of the year, the average asking price for […]
Petrol Continues to Lead Irish Car Market Despite Shift Toward Electrification
New car registrations increased modestly last year, with the latest industry data showing a 3% rise compared with the previous year. Figures released by Society of the Irish Motor Industry indicate that 124,954 new cars were registered nationwide in 2025. Electric vehicle uptake accelerated sharply over the period. A total of 23,601 battery electric cars […]