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.

 

Oil prices lower

06.05.2026 Daily blog

Oil prices are lower after Donald Trump says “great progress” is being made towards an agreement with Iran, announcing that Project Freedom (the operation to assist vessels through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a time to see if a deal can be reached. Brent crude is currently at around $108 per barrel, […]

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  • Weekly Round Up

    Markets taking sanguine view of May 7th local election risks

    05.05.2026

    Markets appear complacent on the risks the UK’s May 7th local elections pose to the sterling exchange rate. Opinion polls point to heavy losses for both Labour and the Conservatives, boosting Reform UK and increasing political uncertainty. Poor results could weaken Keir Starmer’s position and raise fears of less fiscally disciplined policies, particularly if Chancellor […]

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  • Global Watch

    Global Watch April 2026

    23.04.2026

    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

    27.04.2026

    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

    27.04.2026

    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

    06.02.2026

    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

    06.02.2026

    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

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Meet the team

Conall Mac Coille, Group Chief Economist
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Michael Crowley, Senior Economist
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Patrick Mullane, Senior Economist
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Conn Creedon, Senior Economist
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Diane Woods, Economist/Operations Manager
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