Posts by splash

Slowing fuel demand growth in top consumers China and the US has weighed heavily on oil prices this year, although supply cuts from OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with Russia and other allies, have limited the losses. OPEC+, which pumps about half the world’s oil, will meet on Sunday. Two…

In a world of economic volatility, supply chain disruptions, and unforeseen global events, financial stability is a challenge for businesses of all sizes. For SMEs and larger firms alike, a well-prepared financial contingency plan is not just a safeguard—it’s a necessity. This article from KAAS shows that by anticipating potential crises and preparing strategic responses,…

There has been a rise in the use of cash-in-hand payments for staff in the hotel and catering sector, according to new research. Excel Recruitment’s 2025 Salary Guide for the hospitality sector has found that as businesses struggle to balance budgets, some have started paying cash to workers. “With some establishments turning to cash-in-hand payments,…

US Federal Reserve officials expect inflation to keep cooling, signaling a gradual approach to interest rate cuts if price increases ease further and the job market remains strong, minutes of their recent meeting showed last night. If data came in about as expected with inflation moving towards policymakers’ 2% target, while employment remained solid, “it…

Irish consumer sentiment was “steady but subdued” in November. The latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index, in partnership with Core Research, shows an index reading of 74.1 for November, identical to that in October. Only once previously in the near 29-year history of the sentiment survey has the index been completely unchanged between one month…

Irish workers are among the strictest in the world when it comes to ethically questionable practices like nepotism and fake sick days, according to a new survey. The research by the Institute of Business Ethics, in conjunction with the Compliance Institute, found that workers in Ireland were less likely than the global average to find…

Figures from AIB show that Black Friday 2023 broke all records for online spend and indications are that this year will be no different as shoppers hunt for good value ahead of Christmas. AIB’s latest Spend Trend reveals that Irish shoppers spent €105m spent online on Black Friday last year on almost 1 million transactions,…

More than eight out of ever ten Irish investors believe investment in energy transition assets is increasing rapidly, according to new research from KPMG. That compares to 72% globally the survey of 1400 senior executives from around the world, including 50 from Ireland, carried out by KPMG’s Energy Transition Investment Outlook Report found. James Delahunt,…

As Irish SMEs increasingly engage in international trade, managing currency risks has become a crucial aspect of maintaining profitability. Fluctuations in exchange rates can erode margins, disrupt cash flow, and create uncertainty for businesses reliant on cross-border transactions. This article from KAAS covers how implementing effective strategies to mitigate currency risks is essential for safeguarding…

The cost of doing business is the top election issue exercising the minds of senior business leaders, new research by Ibec has found. 25% said it was the most pressing challenge that they want to see in the general election campaign. Housing was the next most important concern, cited by 22% of respondents. The provision…