Bonds and stocks rally
21.05.2026 Daily blogA drop in oil prices – Brent crude is down at around $106 per barrel – on the back of reports that a US-Iran deal may be in the offing contributed to a decline in bond yields, reversing Tuesday’s rise in yields, and a decent rally in stocks. The “risk on” mood in markets weighed […]
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Weekly Round Up
Ireland’s weak labour market data likely affected by volatility
At face value, this morning’s CSO Labour Force Survey (LFS) is very concerning, employment falling by 0.6% in Q1 2026 to 2.8 million, annual job creation flattening off to zero, and the unemployment rate rising to 5%. However, volatility looks to be at play. The figures suggest full-time employment has increased by 1.5% over the […]
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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 – May 2026
Growth Outlook Deteriorates Amid Energy Shock We have reduced our growth forecasts due to the negative impact of the US-Iran conflict and higher energy prices on the UK economy. We now expect GDP growth of 0.8% this year and 1.0% next year (versus 1.1% and 1.4% previously). Inflation, which had been easing, now looks set […]
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UK Infographic
UK Infographic – May 2026
We expect that UK GDP will grow by 0.8% in 2026 and 1.0% in 2027. Download the UK Infographic in Full Here: Bank of Ireland UK Infographic May 2026