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European car sales rise in August, ending 13 month run of falls
European new car registrations grew in August, bringing an end to 13 months of consecutive decline, data from the region’s carmaker association showed today. The number of new vehicles registered in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) grew by 3.4% on the year to 748,961 units, the European Automobile Manufacturers…
Read MoreOil ticks up, but on track for weekly loss on recession fears
Oil prices edged higher today but were on track for a weekly decline amid fears of sharp interest rate hikes that would slam global growth and hit fuel demand. Brent crude futures were up 56 cents, or 0.6%, to $91.40 a barrel in early trade, but were down 1.5% for the week so far. US…
Read MoreVAT hikes, congestion charges among tax report recommendations
The phasing out of relief on private health insurance premiums, increases in VAT, the extension of PRSI to all sources of employment income and congestion charges in key urban areas are among the many recommendations contained in the Commission on Taxation and Welfare report. The document, published today, runs to 500 pages. It also suggests…
Read MoreMortgage interest rates fall for fourth month in a row
New figures from the Central Bank show that the average interest rate on new Irish mortgages in July fell to 2.63%, the fourth fall in a row. Irish mortgage rates were the fourth highest in the euro zone in July, coming behind Greece, Latvia and Germany. This is the first time in over two years…
Read MoreOil edges higher as market weighs weak demand, potential supply disruption
Oil prices edged higher today as the market balanced weak demand with supply disruption amid a looming rail stoppage in the US, the world’s biggest crude consumer. Brent crude futures was up by two cents to $94.12 a barrel in early trade, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 18 cents, or 0.2%, to $88.66.…
Read MoreCabinet to discuss energy measures for businesses
The Tánaiste will update the Cabinet this morning on proposals to help firms deal with spiralling energy costs. The measures are expected to be finalised in just under a fortnight and will be outlined in the Budget. Leo Varadkar is likely to tell his Government colleagues that the energy inflation crisis is comparable to Covid…
Read MoreOil prices inch lower on prospect of rising US interest rates
Oil prices inched lower today on concerns of another US Federal Reserve interest rate hike next week after consumer prices unexpectedly rose in August, outweighing support from a robust OPEC oil demand growth forecast. Brent crude futures fell 17 cents, or 0.2%, to $93.00 a barrel in early trade. US West Texas Intermediate crude was…
Read MoreCabinet to approve 80 cent rise to minimum wage
The Cabinet is tomorrow set to approve an €0.80 rise to the minimum wage, bringing it to €11.30 per hour from the beginning of next year. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar will bring a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission to Government in the morning. This is one of the biggest increases in the minimum wage but…
Read MoreOil prices rise on concerns over tight supplies
Oil prices rose in volatile trade today as worries about tight fuel supplies ahead of winter offset investor concerns about lower demand in China, the world’s biggest crude importer, and further increases in US and European interest rates. Brent crude had risen 50 cents, or 0.5%, to $94.50 a barrel in early trade. WTI crude…
Read MoreManaging energy demands in Europe ‘key to avoiding blackouts’ – energy commissioner
The EU Energy Commissioner has said managing energy demand will be key to avoiding blackouts in Europe this winter and citizens will have to play their part. Speaking exclusively to RTÉ News, Kadri Simson said a lot of work has been done to diversify the supply of energy, but that “now we also have to…
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