# Austin Hughes

All time

# Thumbs up

Two out of three ain't bad: another ratings agency gives Ireland an A

The move should spark even more interest in our government debt.

23.7k

Aug 15th 2014, 10:45 PM

# Ballot Box Blues

Did the elections cause a nosedive in how good we're feeling about the economy?

KBC Bank’s consumer sentiment survey tumbled last month, with the election blamed for widespread bad humour.

4.8k

Jun 9th 2014, 2:28 PM

# feeling good

Irish consumers in 'notably more positive mood' last month

It appears that our bailout exit made consumers feel more confident about their own financial situation too.

4.9k

Jan 15th 2014, 12:04 PM

# business activity

Solid growth in Irish business activity so far in 2013

Despite the better outlook, hiring plans remain depressed for the coming months.

3.4k

Mar 27th 2013, 6:45 AM

# Consumer Sentiment

Consumer sentiment weakened in February amid job concerns

Pressures on household finances and high-profile job losses contributed to the weakening of consumer sentiment in February.

2.7k

Mar 5th 2013, 2:15 PM

# Consumer Sentiment

Referendum uncertainty leads to dip in consumer sentiment

But people’s expectations about jobs and household finances have improved slightly.

1.1k

Jun 11th 2012, 12:03 PM

# Consumers

Consumer sentiment brightened (slightly) in March

Consumer sentiment has risen for the third month in a row and is now at its highest level since last October according to the KBC Bank/ESRI

1.2k

Apr 11th 2012, 1:05 PM

# Consumers

Consumer sentiment picks up after December dip - but shoppers still gloomy

The latest consumer sentiment index indicates that heightened concerns over the eurozone last month have eased somewhat.

877

Jan 31st 2012, 12:03 PM

# Bailout

Will Ireland need a second bailout? Here's what 10 economists think

Economists in Ireland are divided on whether or not the country will need a new bailout programme next year. But very few think it is likely we can return to the markets as scheduled.

7.4k

Jan 30th 2012, 7:40 AM

# Consumer Sentiment

Euro jitters and Budget 2012 dull consumers' moods

The KBC/ESRI index has shown that Irish consumer sentiment fell considerably in December.

1.4k

Jan 9th 2012, 12:24 PM

# Optimism

Consumer sentiment shows surprise increase in October

Irish consumers became more positive in October, apparently finding more reasons to be optimistic about the economic outlook.

1.2k

Nov 15th 2011, 12:03 PM