Google must pay $425m in class action over privacy, jury rules
A federal jury has determined that Alphabet’s Google must pay $425m for invading users’ privacy by continuing to collect data for millions of users who had switched off a tracking feature in their Google account. The verdict comes after a trial in the federal court in San Francisco over allegations that Google over an eight-year […]
Service sector growth falls to 19-month low in August, PMI shows
There was a continued slow down in growth in the services sector last month, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index from AIB. The index dropped to 50.6 from 50.9 in July, marking the slowest pace of growth since January 2024. The fall was driven by marginal gains in output and new business, and a […]
Calls for improved heat pump, solar support schemes
The Climate Change Advisory Council has recommended that the Government improve grant supports for retrofitting, heat pumps and solar installation. An annual Review for 2025 on the Built Environment, Industry, and Waste sectors has highlighted the ”urgent need” for emissions reductions and sustainable practices across these areas. “The Built Environment is the only sector that […]
EU Commission to push for ratification of Mercosur deal
The European Commission is to adopt a proposal to ratify the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. The trade deal was signed in December but has yet to be ratified by European Union member states and the European Parliament. The Government remains opposed to the agreement in its current form and said it will not support it […]
Gold races to all-time high above $3,500 on US rate cut prospects
Gold prices scaled the $3,500 per ounce level to hit a record high today, as mounting expectations for a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut this month lifted demand for the precious metal. Spot gold was steady at $3,475.33 per ounce this morning, after hitting a record high of $3,508.50 earlier in the session. Bullion […]
All you need to know about pension auto-enrolment in Ireland
We have all heard whispers of a new financial device arriving soon. Like any big change, Ireland’s move to auto-enrolment will likely spark debate. Before it lands in our pay slips and pub conversations, let’s break down what My Future Fund is, why it matters, and who stands to gain or struggle in the short […]
Rebalancing of banking regulation needed at domestic and EU level – BPFI
The banking industry is calling for regulatory requirements in the sector to be simplified to address issues of competitiveness and investment. Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) said the current system of regulation is confusing and costly for financial institutions. BPFI has warned that Ireland is at risk of losing out on investments as a […]
Big increase in AI usage in workplaces – Ibec
New research from business group Ibec has found a big increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces. The study shows that in July 2025, 40% of employees reported using AI in their workplace tasks compared with 19% in August 2024. The use of AI in specific roles rose from 12% in 2024 […]
Overpaying? How to switch your mortgage and save
Mortgages aren’t meant to be set in stone – and sticking with the same one for years could mean leaving thousands of euro on the table. Whether your fixed rate is about to expire or you’re just wondering if you could do better, switching your mortgage could be a smart financial move. But how do […]
Central Bank’s Israeli bond authorisation expires today
The Central Bank’s controversial authorisation of documentation issued to investors in Israeli bonds expires today. The bank has been under intense pressure from campaigners and opposition to refuse to rubber stamp prospectuses issued by Israel. However, the bank says it is legally obliged to approve the documentation if it meets requirements. The bank last night […]
AA Ireland survey reveals dip in petrol and diesel prices
AA Ireland’s latest monthly fuel price survey shows that the cost of both petrol and diesel eased in August. The price of unleaded petrol now averages €1.70 a litre, down from €1.73 in July, while the average diesel price stood at €1.68 per litre, down from €1.69 in July. AA Ireland also said that while […]
Erosion of Fed independence would lead to higher inflation, ECB’s Rehn says
Erosion of Fed independence would lead to higher inflation, ECB’s Rehn says US President Donald Trump’s escalating attacks on the Federal Reserve could have substantial and global knock-on effects on the financial markets and the real economy, including higher inflation, ECB policymaker Olli Rehn said today. Questions over the independence of the Fed, the world’s […]
American Bitcoin, backed by Trump’s sons, aims to start trading in September
American Bitcoin, the bitcoin miner backed by US President Donald Trump’s two sons, has locked in crypto and traditional investors to back an all-stock merger that will allow the firm to soon start trading on the Nasdaq, the company’s largest investor said. The unlisted firm’s merger with Gryphon Digital Mining is set to be finalised […]
TikTok owner ByteDance sets valuation at over $330 billion as revenue grows – sources
ByteDance, the owner of short-video app TikTok, is set to launch a new employee share buyback that will value the Chinese technology giant at more than $330 billion, driven by continued revenue growth, said three people with knowledge of the matter. The company plans to offer current employees $200.41 per share in the repurchase programme, […]
Tourism figures down by 1% in July compared to 2024, 2023
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that 646,400 foreign visitors completed a trip to Ireland in July, a decrease of 1% when compared with the same month in both 2024 and 2023. The CSO said the average length of stay for the tourists was 7.9 nights, down from an average of 8.1 nights […]
Vhi to increase prices by average of 3% from 1 October
Vhi, the country’s largest health insurer, is to increase the prices of its policies by an average of 3% from October. It is estimated the increase will mean an individual will pay between €15 and €80 extra per year for their health insurance, while a family plan could go up by around €180. Consumers will […]
EU claims ‘sovereign right’ to regulate tech after Trump threat
The European Commission asserted the “sovereign right” to regulate the activities of tech giants within the bloc and rejected claims by President Donald Trump that its rules unfairly harm US firms. Brussels has adopted a powerful legal arsenal aimed at reining in tech giants, particularly through the Digital Markets Act (DMA) covering competition and Digital […]
Housing body urges ‘ramp up’ of cost rental properties
The Chief Operations Officer at Tuath Housing has said there is a need to “ramp up social and cost rental supply” to provide security for the next generation. Bronagh D’Arcy said decisions taken in this year’s budget will be “critical” as the Approved Housing Body released its annual report today. It emphasises that demand continues […]