Archive for January 2026

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

At KAAS we know for many business owners, success is measured by the bottom line. Profitability is, of course, essential, but focusing solely on short-term results can overlook what truly sustains a business over time. Long-term success requires more than healthy figures on a balance sheet. It depends on forward-thinking financial planning that aligns every…

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…