Services growth slows for second month in a row – PMI
More than a year of rapid growth in Ireland’s services sector moderated slightly for the second successive month in May as selling prices and input costs remained close to record highs, a survey showed today. The AIB S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 60.2 from 61.7 in March. But the index stayed above […]
Unemployment rate returns to pre-Covid level of 4.7% – CSO
The country’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7% in May from 4.8% in April to return to the level it stood at before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, new figures from the Central Statistics Office showed today. The last time the unemployment rate was lower than 4.7% was in November 2006, towards the end of the “Celtic […]
Construction output falls by 2.4% in Quarter 1
The volume of construction production dropped by 2.4% in the first three months of the year, compared to the final quarter of last year, new data from the CSO shows. This is despite widespread intense activity in the sector as it attempts to catch up from delays caused by the pandemic and ramp up the […]
No disruption expected to gas supply forecast for summer months
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is expected that restrictions on the importation of Russian gas to the EU will not significantly impact on gas supply to Ireland. That is according to Gas Networks Ireland, which does not envisage any disruption to gas supply during the summer months. In its 2022 Summer Outlook, Gas […]
Factory production growth falls to 15 month low in May
Factory production growth dropped to 15-month low in May, as higher prices reportedly dampened client demand. The latest AIB IHS Markit manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) slipped to 56.4 in May, down from 59.1 in April. Any figure greater than 50 signals overall improvement of the sector, with the May figure indicating an improvement in […]
Bank of Ireland completes purchase of Davy
Bank of Ireland said today it has completed its €427m deal for J&E Davy Stockbrokers, which was first announced last July. Bank of Ireland said the deal significantly enhances its commercial and strategic objectives. Davy had assets under management of about €20 billion at the end of 2021 and Bank of Ireland said combining its […]
Ornua operating profit up 1.3% to €153.7m for 2021
The country’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, Ornua, has reported operating profit of €153.7m for 2021, up 1.3%. The dairy co-operative marked 60 years in business and reported an excellent trading performance with group turnover up 6.9% to €2.5 billion. It was another record year for Kerrygold, with volume growth up 12% on 2020. […]
Mortgage approvals drop, switching activity rises
Just over 4,300 mortgages were approved last month, down 5.9% on the previous month and 1.3% on the same time last year. New figures from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland reveal that 53% of the approvals or 2,296 went to First Time Buyers (FTBs), while 923 or 21% went to mover purchasers. The value of […]
Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for all businesses comes to an end
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) ends today for all businesses. In February, most employers moved to a reduced weekly rate of support before the payments were phased out in March and April. Businesses directly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions in December 2021, including many in the hospitality sector, were eligible to continue receiving support under […]
Dublin 4th most attractive European city for FDI – EY report
Dublin is the fourth most attractive European city to foreign investors, according to a new report from EY. The city was chosen by 17% of respondents in the EY European Attractiveness Survey as an attractive city for FDI over the next three years, three times higher than last year. Ireland remains one of Europe’s top […]
Central Bank’s profits boosted by record level of fines
A record amount in monetary fines imposed on financial firms and individuals by the Central Bank in 2021 contributed to profits at the bank last year increasing by 59% to €1.32 billion. That is according to the 2021 annual report for the Central Bank which reveals that a dividend of €1.067 billion will be paid […]
30% would take lower-paid job to guarantee remote work – survey
Almost one third of workers would change jobs – even if it means a pay cut – if their remote working preferences are not facilitated, according to the third annual National Remote Working Survey. 37% of respondents said they would change jobs for remote working, even if it meant fewer promotion opportunities. 30% also indicated […]
Consumer sentiment rallies in May, but business sentiment unchanged
A new monthly economic survey shows that while households remain cautious, the arrival of the holiday season looks to have raised their spirits a little. But the mood among firms was little changed, with three in five still saying that they are finding it difficult to predict the future development of their business situation at […]
62% cutting back on food spending as prices rise – PTSB research
New research has found that 62% of people feel they will have to cut back on food spending over the coming year in response to sharp price rises, while 53% of people worry they will be unable to pay higher energy bills. The findings are part of the latest in the Permanent TSB research series […]
Dell beats estimates for quarterly results on strong enterprise demand
Dell Technologies has beaten Wall Street estimates for quarterly profit and revenue, as enterprises invested heavily in the company’s desktops and laptops to support hybrid work. Dell’s shares rose about 7% in extended trading as the PC maker forecast current-quarter revenue and profit above analysts’ expectations. The company has seen strong demand for its products […]
Asda sales fall 9.2% in first quarter
British supermarket group Asda has reported a near double-digit fall in first quarter sales, which it said reflected comparison with exceptionally strong trading in the same quarter last year when the UK was in a Covid-19 lockdown. Asda said first quarter to March 31 like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, fell 9.2% year-on-year, having fallen 2.9% in […]
Holidays a priority despite rising cost of living – KBC sentiment index
Irish consumers plan to spend more on holidays this year despite concerns about the rising cost of living, according to the latest KBC Bank Ireland consumer sentiment index. The survey for May asked a special question on holiday spending plans, and the answer hinted at a resilience in people’s personal finances. Austin Hughes, Chief Economist […]
E-commerce platform eDesk to create 150 jobs
E-commerce platform eDesk is to create 150 jobs over the next 18 months. The new positions will be at the company’s Dublin HQ, Derry, Skibbereen, and the east coast of the US, where 20 of the new roles will be based. It will bring the total headcount to 250 and eDesk says the growth will […]