Positive mood in markets for a change
01.05.2026 Daily blogA retreat in oil prices and some paring back of central bank rate hike expectations contributed to a fall in bond yields, a rebound in stocks, and a weaker dollar. Reported intervention by the Japanese authorities to support the yen also weighed on the dollar. The euro has strengthened to around $1.1740 against the US […]
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Weekly Round Up
Irish housing completions rise to 38,200 in year to March
Today’s Irish residential completions figures show a very welcome rise, up 33% to 7,856 in Q1 2026, ahead of the pace we had forecast. Completions in the past twelve months were 38,200. The striking feature of the Q1 data is that the pace of expansion of house completions (+33% to 5,500 in Q1 2026) has […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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
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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 […]
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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