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.

 

Main currency pairs not much changed

22.05.2026 Daily blog

The euro and sterling are not much changed from yesterday morning’s levels against the dollar, though off their intra-day lows of about $1.1575 and $1.3390 respectively, trading at around $1.1610 and $1.3425 this morning. Similarly, EURGBP is largely unchanged as it continues to hover in and around the £0.8650 area. Oil prices fell late yesterday […]

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  • Weekly Round Up

    Ireland’s weak labour market data likely affected by volatility

    21.05.2026

    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

    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 – May 2026

    18.05.2026

    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

    18.05.2026

    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

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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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