Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels today, reflecting heightened investor anxiety amid escalating geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty around US monetary policy leadership.

Spot gold climbed sharply, trading around $4,585 per ounce after briefly breaking above the $4,600 mark for the first time. US gold futures for February delivery also advanced strongly, signalling sustained demand for bullion as a defensive asset. Silver followed a similar trajectory, rising to a new all-time high, while platinum and palladium also recorded notable gains.

Market analysts pointed to a combination of global instability and political pressure on the US Federal Reserve as key drivers of the rally. According to Tim Waterer of KCM Trade, developments in the Middle East, alongside reports that Jerome Powell is the subject of a criminal investigation, unsettled equity markets and encouraged investors to rotate into precious metals.

Unrest in Iran has intensified in recent days, with hundreds reported killed and warnings issued against potential US military involvement under President Donald Trump. These developments come at a time when the Trump administration is also signalling a more assertive stance in other international disputes, adding to broader market unease.

Powell stated that the administration had threatened him with criminal charges linked to previous Congressional testimony, describing the move as an attempt to exert further pressure on the central bank to reduce interest rates. Expectations around US rate cuts remain fluid. While Goldman Sachs recently delayed its outlook for monetary easing, it now anticipates two quarter-point reductions in mid to late 2026.

Precious metals typically benefit during periods of low interest rates and political instability, as they offer no yield but are perceived as stores of value. Silver prices rose above $84 per ounce, with analysts such as Soni Kumari of ANZ suggesting further upside amid ongoing policy uncertainty and potential supply constraints linked to China.

Platinum and palladium also strengthened, reflecting broader momentum across the metals complex as investors continue to seek protection from volatility in global markets.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

An Post has confirmed that the cost of sending letters will increase from Tuesday, 3 February, with changes affecting both domestic and international post.

The price of a standard national stamp will rise by 20 cent, moving from €1.65 to €1.85. For international mail, a new €3.50 stamp will be introduced for letters sent anywhere within Europe, including Britain. This represents an increase of 85 cent on existing rates.

According to An Post, the revised pricing reflects wider international trends and remains below the European Union and UK benchmark of €2.04 for a domestic next-day letter service. A separate “Rest of World” stamp, priced at €3.95, will also be launched. The company said this change is necessary to address sustained losses in global mail services, following a 38 percent decline in international letter volumes over the past three years.

An Post stated that more than half of all outgoing international letters are sent to Britain, Germany and France. The introduction of a specific Europe and Britain rate is intended to avoid applying the higher worldwide tariff to these destinations. By comparison, the equivalent European stamp in the UK costs approximately €3.90.

Further increases will apply to large envelopes, packets, over-the-counter parcels, Registered Post, and both national and international digital stamps.

The company said the updated pricing structure is designed to protect nationwide delivery services and ensure equal access across the country. Letter volumes have fallen by 7 percent in the past year and by more than 50 percent since 2016, with a similar decline expected in 2026. Rising operating costs and national pay awards for staff have also been cited as contributing factors.

An Post reiterated its commitment to maintaining a next-day delivery service to the door, supported by trained staff and an expanding fleet of emission-free vehicles. Community supports, including welfare checks on vulnerable customers during severe weather and free delivery of letters and parcels up to 1kg to nursing and care homes, will continue.

All existing stamps marked “N” for national, “W” for worldwide, or showing specific euro values will remain valid and fully usable after 3 February.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

New figures from the latest quarterly update show that the First Home Scheme has played a significant role in helping buyers access newly built homes since its introduction in 2022. To date, 4,887 homes have been purchased or self-built with the support of the scheme, while more than 9,000 applications have received approval.

Activity remained strong towards the end of 2025. In the final quarter alone, 769 homes were bought or constructed using the scheme, highlighting continued demand among first-time buyers who are struggling to bridge the gap between mortgage limits and market prices.

The scheme operates as a partnership between the Government and participating lenders, including AIB, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB. It is designed to support first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes or constructing their own properties by providing additional funding alongside a mortgage and deposit.

Under the scheme, buyers can receive equity support of up to 30% of the property price. Where the Help to Buy incentive is also used, the maximum support is capped at 20%. This structure has helped buyers access homes with an average purchase or build cost of €389,000. The typical level of support provided stands at approximately €66,000, representing around 17% of the overall price.

Uptake has been highest in areas with the greatest affordability pressures, particularly Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Meath and Wicklow. This geographic concentration challenges the assumption that affordability schemes have a uniform national impact. Instead, demand appears closely linked to regional house prices and supply constraints.

The First Home Scheme is based on a shared equity model. In exchange for the financial contribution, the State takes an equity stake in the property. Homeowners can buy back this stake at any point, either partially or in full. While no service charge applies during the first five years of ownership, charges begin thereafter. These range from 1.75% of the equity amount between years six and fifteen, rising to 2.15% from years sixteen to twenty-nine, and 2.85% from year thirty onwards.

For prospective buyers, the scheme offers meaningful short-term support, though it also introduces longer-term considerations around equity buyback and future costs. Advisers and accountants play a key role in helping clients assess whether the immediate affordability benefit outweighs the longer-term financial implications.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Irish consumer confidence closed out 2025 at a relatively low level, reflecting persistent concerns about living costs even as headline economic indicators pointed to continued growth. The latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey shows sentiment edging up marginally in December to 61.2, from 61 in November. The movement is modest and does little to alter the broader picture of caution among households.

Confidence levels remain well below both the long-term survey average of 83.6 and the 73.9 recorded at the end of 2024. They have also failed to recover meaningfully from April’s two-year low of 58.7, reached during a period of heightened concern about potential trade disruptions linked to tariff discussions involving the United States.

This subdued outlook stands in contrast to trends elsewhere. Consumer sentiment across the euro zone and in neighbouring United Kingdom has improved since similar trade-related fears caused confidence to dip earlier in the year. That divergence raises uncomfortable questions about whether Irish consumers are reacting more sharply to external risks or whether domestic cost pressures are weighing more heavily than headline growth figures suggest.

According to the survey’s authors, the past year has brought a broad-based deterioration in how Irish consumers view both the wider economy and their own financial circumstances. Given Ireland’s exposure to international trade, especially its reliance on the US market, sensitivity to global policy shifts is understandable. At the same time, an exclusive focus on external risks risks overlooking more immediate pressures such as housing, energy and everyday expenses, which continue to shape household sentiment.

There is also a growing disconnect between confidence and economic performance. Modified domestic demand, the Government’s preferred measure of underlying economic activity, increased by 4.1% year on year during the first nine months of 2025. This resilience suggests that caution among consumers is not rooted in falling output or employment, but rather in uncertainty about how growth translates into personal financial security.

The data challenges the assumption that strong macroeconomic results automatically lift confidence. For businesses and advisers, the message is clear. Consumers remain wary, spending decisions are likely to stay conservative, and economic growth alone may not be enough to restore optimism unless cost-of-living pressures are addressed in a tangible way.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Irish households have experienced sustained pressure on food budgets over recent years, with the cost of everyday groceries rising sharply. Products such as beef, butter, milk and cheese have recorded some of the fastest price increases across the European Union, leaving many consumers questioning whether international trade agreements might eventually ease the strain.

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office underline the scale of these increases. According to CSO data, the retail price of beef has risen by 44% over the past five years and by 24% in the last year alone. Dairy products show a similar pattern, with butter and milk prices increasing by around 45% over five years. Over the past 12 months, butter prices rose by 10%, while milk prices increased by 5%.

These increases translate directly to the weekly shop. The average price of a kilogram of diced beef has climbed by over €4 in five years, while the cost of sirloin steak has risen by more than €5 between late 2024 and 2025. Two litres of whole milk now cost around 73c more than five years ago, and the price of Irish cheddar cheese has increased by over 60c per kilogram in the same period. Overall, food prices rose by 4.2% in the year to November 2025, outpacing the wider inflation rate.

Against this backdrop, attention has turned to the proposed EU Mercosur trade agreement. The deal would allow greater imports of agricultural products such as beef, sugar, honey and soybeans from Mercosur countries, many of which have seen notable price inflation within the EU.

However, expectations of rapid price relief may be misplaced. Researchers note that the agreement will be phased in gradually, meaning short-term changes at supermarket tills are unlikely. Dr Julian Worley of the University of Galway has highlighted that, within the first year, consumers are unlikely to see meaningful differences in pricing. Instead, any impact would emerge over a longer horizon.

One possible effect may be increased product choice rather than lower prices. While Irish beef prices are expected to remain broadly stable, concerns have been raised about standards. If environmental, labour and food quality protections are not rigorously enforced, cheaper imports could emerge, though potentially at the expense of quality and sustainability. This presents a trade-off that policymakers and consumers will need to weigh carefully.

For dairy, the outlook is even more muted. Ireland imports very little dairy produce from Mercosur countries, and experts suggest this is unlikely to change. Shipping costs, regulatory requirements and environmental compliance all limit the scope for imported dairy to undercut domestic production.

In summary, while the Mercosur agreement may influence the Irish food market over time, it is unlikely to deliver quick or significant reductions in grocery bills. For Irish shoppers, the more realistic expectation is gradual change, increased choice and continued scrutiny of how trade policy aligns with food quality, sustainability and value for money.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

UK house prices edged lower in December, bringing the average property value to its lowest point in six months, according to the latest Halifax house price index.

Data from Halifax shows that average property prices fell by 0.6% over the month, a decline of £1,789, leaving the typical UK home valued at £297,755. This marked the lowest average price recorded since June 2025. On an annual basis, house price growth slowed to 0.3%, down from 0.6% in November, pointing to a cooling market rather than a sharp downturn.

Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, noted that while December delivered a softer close to the year, overall market activity across 2025 remained resilient and broadly in line with pre-pandemic norms. She suggested that the monthly fall was likely influenced by uncertainty towards the end of the year, which may now begin to ease as market conditions stabilise.

Looking ahead, Ms Bryden highlighted several factors that could support the housing market into 2026. Mortgage rates have begun to fall following the most recent base rate cut by the Bank of England, and lenders are offering a wider range of options for buyers with higher loan-to-value requirements. Despite ongoing pressures on affordability, including slower wage growth and a flattening jobs market, Halifax expects house prices to rise modestly this year, with growth forecast in the range of 1% to 3%.

Regional trends continue to vary significantly. Northern Ireland remained the strongest-performing area, recording annual house price growth of 7.5%. In contrast, London saw prices decline by 1.3% over the same period, reflecting differing demand and affordability dynamics across the UK.

Karen Noye, a mortgage expert at wealth manager Quilter, said that December typically lacks urgency in the housing market, with many buyers and sellers postponing decisions until the new year. She added that the late timing of the budget contributed to subdued activity, with households choosing to pause rather than commit before Christmas. Against this backdrop, the monthly price fall pointed to reduced momentum rather than a fundamental weakening of the market.

There are also early signs that delayed demand may be re-emerging. Property portal Rightmove reported its busiest ever Boxing Day for website visits in December 2025. The most frequently listed homes were smaller properties with two bedrooms or fewer, a segment often associated with first-time buyers, suggesting renewed interest at the lower end of the market.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Inflation across the euro zone slowed in line with expectations at the end of last year, reaching the European Central Bank’s 2% target and setting the stage for potential undershooting in 2026.

Latest figures from Eurostat show that headline inflation eased to 2% in December, down slightly from 2.1% the previous month. The outcome matched economist forecasts and reflected the continued impact of lower energy costs, which offset renewed upward pressure on food prices.

Measures of underlying inflation also showed modest improvement. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy components, dipped to 2.3% from 2.4%. This was driven by a slowdown in price growth across services and industrial goods, both of which had been contributing to persistent inflationary pressure earlier in the year.

Throughout 2025, inflation hovered around the ECB’s target, with periods both above and below 2%. While the central bank expects inflation to remain close to this level over the medium term, projections suggest that readings could fall under target for much of this year and into next.

Some policymakers have voiced concern that prolonged low inflation could weaken wage growth and embed subdued price expectations. However, the prevailing view within the ECB appears more measured, with recent softness largely attributed to energy price movements rather than underlying economic weakness.

Professor Joe Nellis, economic advisor at Baker Tilly Ireland, has suggested that the ECB is unlikely to reduce interest rates further unless the euro zone experiences a significant economic downturn. In his view, borrowing costs are likely to remain stable over the coming months.

He also noted that geopolitical developments, including potential changes in global energy supply linked to Venezuela, could influence price dynamics later in the year.

The ECB signalled in December that it was not inclined to make immediate policy changes, reinforcing market expectations that its 2% deposit rate will be maintained throughout 2026. Nonetheless, a sustained move well below target could reopen discussions around easing, particularly if it points to a longer-term inflation shortfall.

Looking ahead, the inflation outlook remains finely balanced. Lower energy prices, a strong euro, increased imports from China and easing wage growth could exert downward pressure. At the same time, higher defence spending, fiscal expansion in Germany, tight labour markets and ongoing geopolitical tensions may push prices higher.

These competing forces add to uncertainty and limit the ECB’s ability to provide guidance beyond the short term. While further rate cuts are not being actively signalled, they remain a possibility if conditions shift materially. The ECB’s next policy meeting is scheduled for 5 February.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Ireland’s residential property market appears to be moving into a more measured phase, with the latest MyHome report pointing to a slowdown in price momentum towards the end of 2025.

According to the report, produced in association with Bank of Ireland, national asking prices rose by 5.4% in the final quarter of the year. This marked a levelling off compared with earlier periods, with prices broadly unchanged from the previous quarter. While growth remains evident, the pace suggests a market that is cooling rather than accelerating.

Competitive bidding has also eased. Homes sold during the period typically achieved prices 7.4% above asking, down from a peak of 8.6% recorded during the summer months. This reduction indicates some relief for buyers, although competition remains a defining feature of the market.

Recent Central Statistics Office data showed annual transaction price inflation of 7.6% in September, which was notably higher than the latest asking price figures. This divergence suggests that softer asking price growth may begin to feed through to actual sale prices during 2026.

In terms of values, the median asking price for new homes nationally stood at €380,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025. In Dublin, the figure rose to €475,000, while properties outside the capital had a median asking price of €325,000. These regional differences continue to highlight the pressure on affordability, particularly in urban areas.

Supply constraints remain a central issue. Around 12,200 properties were listed for sale on MyHome in December, underlining the limited availability of housing stock. Although residential construction is improving, demand continues to outstrip supply.

The report projects that approximately 34,000 new homes will be completed by year-end, which would represent the highest level of delivery since the Celtic Tiger era. Even so, this falls short of the estimated 50,000 to 60,000 homes per year that analysts believe are required to meet underlying demand.

While increased construction activity is a positive development, the data suggests that sustained and consistent growth in housing supply will be necessary before the market can move towards a genuinely balanced position.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Mortgage lender Avant Money has announced a series of changes to its mortgage products, including lower fixed rates and enhanced cashback offers for borrowers.

The lender confirmed that fixed mortgage rates have been reduced by up to 0.35 per cent. In addition, cashback incentives have been increased, with customers now able to receive 2 per cent cashback when choosing fixed-rate terms of three, four, five, seven or ten years.

Avant Money, which is part of the European banking group Bankinter, currently provides financial services to more than 220,000 customers across the State. The latest changes are aimed at strengthening its position in a highly competitive mortgage market.

Alongside the rate reductions, the company has also launched a new High-Value Mortgage offering designed for borrowers seeking larger loan amounts. Unlike some existing products, this new option is available across all property types and does not depend on higher Building Energy Rating standards.

According to the company, the revised pricing could result in meaningful savings for certain borrowers. For example, repayments on a €500,000 mortgage with a loan-to-value ratio below 60 per cent, taken over 30 years at a rate of 3.20 per cent, would be approximately €660 lower per year compared with the previous four-year fixed-rate option.

The revised mortgage rates will apply to new mortgage drawdowns from 19 January. The increased cashback offer is already available and applies to mortgages that draw down between 1 January and the end of the year.

Borrowers considering a mortgage or refinancing are encouraged to review the full terms and assess how these changes align with their longer-term financial plans.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

With the pace of change in the workplace accelerating, many people are reassessing their skills and long-term career prospects. Technological advances, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping roles across almost every sector, prompting growing interest in upskilling or reskilling as a way to stay relevant and employable.

Developing new skills is not limited to those who are out of work or early in their careers. Whether you are employed, self-employed or seeking new opportunities, a wide range of free or heavily subsidised courses are available in 2026, regardless of your educational background. The challenge often lies in identifying the most suitable option from the sheer number of programmes on offer.

A useful starting point is understanding your motivation. Some learners want to position themselves for promotion, while others aim to formalise existing experience or pivot into a new role or industry. Long-term career resilience increasingly depends on adopting a lifelong learning mindset and taking ownership of personal development.

Deciding which skills to focus on is equally important. Research highlights continued demand for digital and data literacy, alongside skills such as creativity, problem-solving and leadership. In Ireland, employers consistently seek strengths in business administration, project management, customer service, ICT and core interpersonal skills such as communication and teamwork.

Time commitment and learning style should also shape your decision. Short introductory courses suit those testing a new area, while longer programmes may suit people ready to make a more significant shift. Some learners thrive in classroom-based settings, while others prefer flexible, self-directed online learning.

For those seeking formal qualifications, the Springboard+ initiative offers free and subsidised courses from certificate to master’s level in areas aligned with labour market needs. Other Government-supported options include Skillnet programmes, which provide industry-led training, often with work placements, and the Back to Education Initiative, designed to support part-time learning alongside other commitments.

Additional supports include eCollege, Skills to Compete and Skills to Advance, all focused on improving employability and supporting workers in sectors experiencing change. There are also specialised short courses in areas such as retrofitting and green skills, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in sustainable construction and energy efficiency.

Taken together, these initiatives offer practical pathways for career development, provided learners choose options that align with their goals, capacity and interests.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.