‘Topics’ – Media Round Up – week ending 2nd February 2014
Welcome!
Welcome to our “Weekly Round Up” – our complimentary summary of this week’s financial news. This publication includes my own commentary and index of links to articles, allowing you to scan over and tune into what’s important to you.
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Dermot.
Commentary
The news continues to be mainly good in regards to the Irish and Global economy. The news that Irish retail sales grew in December is the first sign that confidence is trickling down to consumers who finally have the confidence to spend their hard earned cash on non essential goods and services.
Irish Economy
- Almost 7m trips made to Ireland during 2013 – CSO. Read more
- Retail sales grow by 0.6% in December, boosted by sales of books and cosmetics. Read more
Taxation
- January tax take expected to be down due to SEPA implementation. Read more
- Tax Treatment of Return of Value to Vodafone Shareholders. Read more
Banking / Credit
- Household debt continues to fall as net worth rises – Central Bank. Read more
- Reams of red tape delaying sale of Irish Nationwide mortgages: Sunday Business post (P1)
- Cash incentives to attract mortgage business: Sunday Business Post (P4)
- State’s main domestic banks to face more stress tests. Read more
Global Economy
- German business confidence starts year with a boost. Read more
- Euro chief says no contagion from emerging markets. Read more
- Japan posts record trade deficit in 2013. Read more
- UK economy sees fastest growth since 2007, with GDP up 1.9%. Read more
- Euro zone inflation falls unexpectedly in January. Read more
- US economy grew by 3.2% in last three months of 2013. Read more
- January euro zone confidence at highest level since July 2011. Read more
- Spain says post-recession recovery speeds up at the end of 2013. Read more
Stock Markets
- Vodafone shareholders approve Verizon deal. Read more
- Iseq loses ground as most European markets gain on positive US data. Read more
Property
- US heavyweights prepare Irish property war chests: Sunday Business Post (P6)