Economic Research Unit

The Economic Research Unit (ERU) provides commentary and analysis of economic and market events in Ireland, the UK, the Euro Area and US.

The ERU prepares regular reports on the global, UK and Irish economies. Our latest publications are available for download here.

If you would like to get in touch, you can contact the team on economics@boi.com.

 

Bond yields higher again

28.04.2026 Daily blog

Bond yields edged higher again yesterday, extending last week’s increase, amid rising oil prices (Brent crude is approaching $111 p/b this morning), while equity markets were under pressure for the most part. In FX, the euro and sterling both advanced against the dollar for a time, reaching intra-day highs of about $1.1755 and $1.3575 respectively, […]

Read more
  • Weekly Round Up

    Irish government now expects larger €9bn surplus in 2026

    This week the Department of Finance revised up its projection for the government surplus to €9.2bn (2.5% of GNI*) in 2026, close to double the €5.1bn forecast in December once the cost of recent energy price supports and other spending is excluded. The explanation is €4.4bn of lower-than-expected borrowing (or larger surpluses) in semi-state bodies, […]

  • Global Watch

    Global Watch April 2026

    The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a sharp rise in energy prices. Inflation will be higher and economic growth lower as a result, though to what extent will ultimately depend on how long energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted. While this leaves central banks facing a difficult balancing act, the […]

  • Ireland Outlook

    Ireland Outlook – April 2026

    New Irish Economic Forecasts We have revised down our forecast for Irish GDP growth to 1.6% in 2026, followed by 3.6% in 2027. A key reason is that recent data suggest temporary front-running of US tariffs last year (now unwinding) played a stronger role in the 9.7% growth of exports in 2025. However, events in […]

  • Ireland Infographic

    Ireland Infographic – April 2026

    We expect GDP will expand by 1.6% in 2026 and 3.6% in 2027. View the Ireland Infographic Here: Bank of Ireland Ireland Infographic April 2026

  • UK Outlook

    UK Outlook – February 2026

    Ongoing moderate growth amidst risks We have marginally downgraded our 2026 and 2027 GDP forecasts, to 1.0% (from 1.2%) and 1.4% (from 1.5%), reflecting a loss of momentum through late 2025 and ongoing challenges and risks. Unemployment is set to rise more than previously expected – reaching 5.5% this year before levelling off and beginning […]

  • UK Infographic

    UK Infographic – February 2026

    We expect that UK GDP increased by 1.4% last year and will grow by 1.0% in 2026 and 1.4% in 2027. Download the UK Infographic in Full Here: Bank of Ireland UK Infographic February 2026

Meet the team

Conall Mac Coille, Group Chief Economist
Email

Michael Crowley, Senior Economist
Email

Patrick Mullane, Senior Economist
Email

Conn Creedon, Senior Economist
Email

Diane Woods, Economist/Operations Manager
Email