Posts by sean

Gold prices surged to a new record today, moving beyond $4,700 per ounce for the first time, as renewed geopolitical tensions unsettled global markets and pushed investors toward traditional safe-haven assets. The rally comes amid fresh threats from US President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on European allies, reigniting fears of an escalation in…

European leaders are taking an early lead at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, as renewed trade tensions with the United States cast a long shadow over the annual gathering. The focus is firmly on the prospect of new US tariffs, linked to an escalating dispute involving Greenland, which threatens to strain already…

Tourism Ireland has outlined plans to grow overseas tourism revenue to more than €10 billion a year by 2031, representing average annual growth of around 6%. The organisation views international visitors as a cornerstone of employment and economic activity across the island. Chief executive Alice Mansergh said overseas tourism continues to play a central role…

The combined wealth of billionaires worldwide increased by an estimated $2.5 trillion last year, according to new research from Oxfam. The findings were published to coincide with the opening of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland and highlight the growing gap between the wealthiest individuals and the wider population. In Ireland, the report estimates that…

Ireland experienced its most active year for new business formation in over a decade, with more than 26,500 companies registered in 2025. According to fresh analysis from CRIFVision-Net, this represents the highest annual total in 15 years and an 11% increase on the previous year. The data points to strong momentum across several key sectors.…

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…

New legislation designed to support employees who wish to remain in work beyond their contractual retirement age has formally entered the statute books, although key guidance on how it will operate in practice has yet to be published. The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 was signed into law on 16 December and introduces a…

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…