ECB Signals Rate Stability as Long as Conditions Hold, Though US Risks Linger
The European Central Bank is unlikely to revisit interest rate changes in the short term if current economic trends remain intact, according to its chief economist Philip Lane. He cautioned, however, that external shocks, particularly any unexpected shift in US monetary policy, could disrupt what is currently a relatively stable outlook. The ECB has left […]
Ireland Showcases Housing Investment Potential at Major Global Property Event
Ireland is set to promote its residential development ambitions on the international stage by participating in a major global property conference in France this March. The aim is to attract domestic and overseas investment to help increase the supply of new homes. A broad Irish delegation will attend the event, bringing together Government representatives, State […]
Guidance Still Pending as New Retirement Law Nears Commencement
New legislation designed to support employees who wish to remain in work beyond their contractual retirement age has formally entered the statute books, although key guidance on how it will operate in practice has yet to be published. The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 was signed into law on 16 December and introduces a […]
PTSB reduces variable rates on State-backed retrofit loans
Permanent TSB has announced a reduction in its variable interest rates for homeowners borrowing under the Government-supported Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing household energy costs. The scheme allows eligible homeowners to borrow between €5,000 and €75,000 to fund retrofit works such as insulation upgrades, heating improvements or solar […]
UK economy posts stronger-than-forecast growth in November
The UK economy recorded a stronger-than-anticipated expansion in November, supported by a rebound in manufacturing activity and improved performance across key sectors. Official figures show that gross domestic product increased by 0.3% during the month, reversing a 0.1% contraction recorded in October. This outcome exceeded market expectations, with economists previously forecasting growth of 0.1%. A […]
Dollar dominance under pressure amid global shifts, analyst warns
The US dollar continues to hold its position as the world’s leading reserve currency, yet signs are emerging that its dominance is being steadily eroded. That view was outlined by Peter Brown, Managing Director of Bagot Investment Partners, who pointed to rising demand for alternative assets and growing structural concerns within the US economy. Speaking […]
Global unemployment set to remain steady, but quality of work remains a major concern
Global unemployment is expected to remain broadly unchanged through 2026, according to new analysis from the International Labour Organization. While this headline figure may appear reassuring, the organisation warns that apparent stability in labour markets is concealing deeper structural weaknesses, particularly around job quality, security and access to decent work. The ILO notes that the […]
Retirement beyond 66 increasingly viewed as a financial necessity for many workers
A growing proportion of workers in Ireland believe they will need to remain in employment well beyond the traditional retirement age in order to make ends meet, according to new research from Royal London Ireland. The latest Retirement Age Financial Feasibility Survey suggests that almost one in five workers expect they will not be able […]
Construction activity continues to decline, 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 major segments of the industry, including residential, commercial and civil engineering, though the pace of decline eased in each area. The headline […]
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 […]