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2022 was a pretty dismal year for equity markets. Having kicked January off at all-time highs, stock valuations rapidly went south as inflation precipitated a round of interest rate increases, the likes of which hadn’t been seen in decades. On top of that, the outbreak of war in Ukraine contributed to an economic outlook that…

Up to 10,000 business people, and those hoping to establish a business, are expected to take part in more than 300 events over the coming days to mark Local Enterprise Week. The events are being organised by the network of Local Enterprise Offices around the country, which provide advice, information and support to individuals setting…

The public finances were €2.5 billion in deficit at the end of February. However, this was due to the transfer of €4 billion to the National Reserve Fund. On a twelve-month rolling basis, the Exchequer had a €1.5 billion surplus. Tax receipts overall were up €0.5 billion or 13% last month compared to February 2022.…

More than one third of employees in Ireland feel invisible or under-appreciated at work, according to a new survey. The Workhuman Human Workplace Index found that almost half of employees feel stressed at work. The findings are being published to mark Employee Appreciation Day. Over a quarter of workers surveyed said they plan to leave…

The latest AIB Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reveals that growth in the country’s service sector picked up in February. The business activity index rose to 58.2 last month, from 54.1 in January. Readings above 50 indicate overall growth in activity. “This is the highest reading since May and points to a robust rate of…

The country’s unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in February from 4.4% the previous month, new Central Statistics Office figures show today. The jobless rate has remained between a 21-year low of 4.2% and 4.5% over the last 10 months amid a tight labour market. The unemployment rate of 4.3% in February was lower than the…

Global energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide hit a record high last year, although more clean technology such as solar power and electric vehicles helped limit the impact of increased coal and oil use, the International Energy Agency has said. Deep cuts in emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels, will be needed over the coming years…

The annual rate of inflation went back up to 8% in February, compared to 7.5% in January, according to an initial estimate from the Central Statistics Office. Energy prices fell but food prices continued to climb higher last month. Today’s CSO figures show that Ireland has become the latest euro zone country to record a…

The annual James Dyson Award, an engineering competition focused on sustainability, is accepting submissions from young inventors from today. The award is aimed at undergraduates and recent graduates of engineering and challenges them to tackle a global problem, from environmental issues to improving healthcare practices. To date, the competition has awarded 390 inventions with prize…

A charity has called on energy companies to pass on discounts to struggling families. On Monday, Electric Ireland said it was cutting its electricity tariffs for small and medium enterprises by an average of 10% from next month, while gas prices for these businesses are set to fall by an average of 15%. The vice-chair…