The ECB cut interest rates for a second time this year at the September policy setting meeting of its Governing Council. The Deposit rate was lowered to 3.50%. Meanwhile, the refi rate was cut to 3.65%, which entailed a previously announced technical adjustment of a reduction in the spread between the Depo and Refi rates from 50bps to 15bps.

World economy continues to exhibit resilience. However, subdued growth evident again in 2024, with US outperformance starting to wane, UK accelerating, and Eurozone flagging.  Core inflation remains sticky in some markets, particularly the UK, with consumer spending underpinning high core inflation, however, headline inflation is now close to target in all markets.

Ireland’s key trading partners continue to grow at a steady, if unspectacular pace. The US economy has outperformed the UK and Eurozone of late, but European economies are showing signs of accelerating growth in 2024

House prices continue to trend sharply higher. They were up 8.6% YoY in June. Consumer prices rose by 0.2% in July, amid further increases in transport and hospitality costs. Revisions to the data show the unemployment rate averaged 4.4% in Q2’24 up from 4.3% in Q1’24. The preliminary reading indicates GDP expanded by 1.2% in Q2’24, but it remained 1.4% lower in YoY terms. 

The August meeting of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) saw the central bank lower the Bank rate by 25bps to 5.00%. This was the first rate change from the Bank of England in eight meetings. Subsequent to this, the central bank had been on a rate tightening cycle over the period December’21 to August’23.

The US Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting for July saw the central bank leave its key interest rate policy unchanged. This decision was very much in line with expectations. The target range for the Fed funds rate remains at 5.25-5.50%, a 22-year high.

Renewed momentum in Irish residential property prices...

Historic FX & Interest Rates for 2023....