The News

Optimism among businesses, with 55% on ‘stable footing’

Over half of businesses are on a “stable footing”, according to new research by InterTradeIreland. Its latest all-island business monitor suggests that 2023 is off to a smoother start for many companies. 36% of businesses said they have reported growth in the first three months of the year, while a third of businesses said they […]

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Age Friendly: Why companies should value older customers

Around 800,000 people over the age of 65 are currently living and shopping in Ireland, but do companies really value their business? This age group is the wealthiest in the country, with the customer base set to grow to a massive 1.6 million by 2051. We’ve been finding out what it means to be an […]

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Home prices rose faster than mortgage values in second half of last year

The increase in median mortgage values was slower between 2020 and 2022 than the rise recorded in property prices over the same period, new data shows. According to the figures compiled by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), while the median value of properties purchased by first time buyers rose by €35,000 over the […]

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Finance union calls for regulations for surveillance of staff

The Financial Services Union (FSU) will today urge TDs and senators to consider new regulations and legislation to cover the technological surveillance of staff by their employers. In an address to the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the FSU will highlight the findings of a recent survey of its members which showed that […]

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Wholesale electricity prices down over 40% in April

Prices paid for raw materials by manufacturers fell in April for the first time since November 2021, new Central Statistics Office figures show today. The Wholesale Price Index fell by 1% compared to March and by 0.7% compared to April 2022. Producer prices for exported goods fell by 1% in the month and are down […]

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Consumers more frugal due to rising costs – global survey

A new survey of global consumer sentiment shows people everywhere adjusting to higher living costs by taking action regarding their spending behaviour. The 12th EY Future Consumer Index is based on the views of 21,000 people across 27 countries and finds consumers are taking action to reduce spending in their lives. 94% of respondents globally […]

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New electric vehicles 13% more expensive than last year

New data from DoneDeal shows the average price of a brand new electric vehicle (EV) now stands at €64,755, 13% higher than the same time last year. Despite these price hikes, demand for new EVs has jumped 35% this year. The report states that the decision by the Government to reduce the EV grant from […]

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ECB banking on a digital euro

The European Central Bank is investigating introducing a digital currency, to keep pace with a rapidly evolving digital economy. It would be a major change in the way that the central bank issues money, but the ECB says it is considering the move in response to the increasing demand for safe and trusted electronic payments. […]

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Ireland’s credit rating upgraded to AA by S&P

Ireland’s credit rating has been upgraded by the ratings agency, Standard & Poor’s. Improved ratings by agencies such as S&P help Ireland borrow more easily and at lower rates on international debt markets. Last month, Ireland’s rating was also upgraded by another agency, Moody’s. This is the first upgrade from S&P since 2019 and brings […]

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