High ranking in global pensions index masks underlying sustainability issues Ireland has the 11th best pensions system in the world, according to the 2019 Melbourne Mercer Global Pensions Index. The index placed Ireland ahead of countries such as Germany, the UK, France, Spain and Austria. However, the high ranking masks underlying concerns about sustainability. With […]

Cautious welcome to Brexit deal from business groups north and south of border Business group Ibec said it was encouraged by the agreement between the EU and UK on a new Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. However, in a letter to members, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said there had to be an awareness that the deal, if […]

Sterling slips from 5-month high on Brexit delay jitters Sterling fell over half a percent against the dollar this morning, slipping from five-month highs after the British parliament delayed a crucial vote on a Brexit withdrawal agreement. The move derailed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan for a decision on his withdrawal deal. But the pound […]

Banks to take steps to support bereaved customers The five main banks in Ireland are to set up dedicated phone lines to help bereaved customers, in an effort to improve the care of those who have lost loved ones. Access will also be given by the financial institutions to any available funds of the deceased […]

Retail suffers September slump amid uncertainty Retailers have had their worst month since July 2013, according to research carried out among members of lobby group Retail Excellence Ireland. The Grant Thornton Retail Excellence productivity review for quarter three shows that sales were up by just over 1pc in July and August, but down 3.34pc in […]

91% of households now have internet access New Central Statistics Office figures show that 91% of households have internet access in 2019, a rise of two percentage points since 2018. The CSO’s latest Information Society Statistics also reveal that fixed broadband is the most common type of household internet access at 84%, compared with 47% […]

China’s growth slows to weakest level in 27 years China’s economy expanded at its slowest rate in nearly three decades in the third quarter, hit by cooling domestic demand and a protracted US trade war, data showed today. Chinese gross domestic product expanded 6% in the three months from July to September, down from 6.2% […]

Ireland sees 12% increase in brand value – survey Ireland has recorded a 12% increase in brand value over the past year to bring its total to $604 billion. This is according to the latest report by Brand Finance, which ranks the 100 most valuable and strongest nation brands every year. Brand Finance said that […]