Archive for January 2024
Annual inflation rate climbs to 3.2% in December – flash data
The annual rate of inflation rose in December to 3.2%, the latest “flash estimate” from the Central Statistics Office shows. After falling from over 3.5% to 2.5% in November, a slight increase in the rate was not unexpected. The sharp fall in inflation in November was mirrored across the euro zone and gave rise to…
Read MoreExchequer surplus falls to €1.2 billion in 2023 from €5 billion in 2022
The Exchequer recorded a surplus of €1.2 billion in 2023, according to figures released by the Department of Finance. This compares with a surplus of €5 billion in 2022, with the decline driven by factors including increased public expenditure and the transfer of €4 billion to the National Reserve Fund (NRF) in February last year.…
Read MoreService sector expansion sustained in December
Irish firms continued to report rising levels of new business, but the pace of growth slowed in December to the second weakest in 2023. The AIB Irish Services PMI for December showed a continued expansion in business activity in the sector, but as has been the case for most of the year, the pace of…
Read MoreUS interest rates likely to stay high ‘for some time’
US Federal Reserve officials expect interest rates will need to remain high “for some time” to tackle stubborn inflation, according to minutes of the most recent rate decision published last night. The Fed announced last month that it would continue to hold interest rates at a 22-year high, and penciled in up to three rate…
Read MoreECB’s cyber stress test will not affect capital requirements
The European Central Bank’s cyber resilience stress test in the coming months will not affect bank-specific capital requirements but instead form part of a broader supervisory assessment, the ECB said in a statement today. The long-planned stress test, which will involve 109 of the bloc’s biggest lenders, will assume a successful cyberattack that disrupts daily…
Read MoreNavigating Regulatory Changes: Staying Compliant in Your Industry
In an era where regulatory landscapes are continuously evolving, staying compliant is not just a legal necessity but also a strategic advantage for any business. This article delves into the intricacies of navigating regulatory changes and provides insights from on how businesses can remain compliant, agile, and ahead in their respective industries. Understanding the Importance…
Read MoreSlight dip in manufacturing activity in December
There was a slight deterioration in business conditions in the manufacturing sector in December, the latest AIB Purchasing Managers Index showed. The headline index – which is measured on a scale of 1 to 100 – fell to 48.9 in the month from the 50 breakeven point in November. The outcome – while signalling a…
Read MoreUp to €1,800 in refunds available to taxpayers
Taxpayers could be leaving up to €1,800 on the table by not availing of a range of yearly tax refunds, a consumer tax specialist has warned. Marian Ryan of taxback.com is reminding consumers that money is there to be claimed but the vast majority are missing out on the returns. Taxpayers – including PAYE workers…
Read MoreBuilding a Financial Safety Net: Tips for Business Resilience
In today’s fast-paced business world, resilience is not just a buzzword but a necessity. While entrepreneurs often focus on growth and profitability, at we know the importance of building a financial safety net cannot be overstated. This article explores practical strategies to ensure your business remains resilient in the face of financial uncertainties. Understanding the…
Read MoreOil prices jump 1.5% in first session of New Year
Oil prices jumped 1.5% in the first session of the New Year, due to potential supply disruptions in the Middle East after a naval clash in the Red Sea, and hopes of strong holiday demand and an economic stimulus in China, the top crude importer. Brent crude rose $1.20, or 1.5%, to $78.24 a barrel…
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