What will drive markets in 2025?

There’s a degree of optimism in the air in financial markets as the year draws to a close.  2024 has been a strong period for markets, and the overall mindset is one of growth.  Company earnings have been resilient, inflation has been cut, and there’s a sense that there is more to follow for the … Continued

What the ‘Trump trade’ means for your investments

It’s less than three weeks since the US election, and already the ‘Trump trade’ has been through several changes.  What is it, and what does it change for you as an investor? What’s the Trump trade – and what’s the effect so far? The Trump trade is the name for the rotation of money into … Continued

December year end? Now’s the time to boost your company pension

If your company is like most in Ireland, its accounting year ends in December.  And that means now’s the time to think about making a special contribution to your company pension – especially if you’ve experienced a strong trading year. Read on to find out what’s good about topping up a company pension before year … Continued

What does the US election mean for your investments?

US markets make up around two-thirds of the world’s stock markets by value. So the US election on 5 November has global relevance for investors. How will political changes impact the values of equities, bonds, and other assets? The result itself… …is too close to call. Yes, there is some evidence of an emerging ‘Trump … Continued

Standard fund threshold changes: what’s the impact?

The government has announced changes to the lifetime pension cap (also known as the standard fund threshold) in Ireland.  Currently the cap is €2 million, and beyond that, a penalty tax applies. The aim is to make sure the government gets its tax take. (There are some ways to squeeze a bit more below the … Continued

Question of the month: should I sell my apartment?

I am in my early 80s and have owned a two-bed apartment in Dublin city centre for many years now. I’ve never lived there, but some of my children and other family members have used it as a base when attending college and at other times. It has recently been vacated and I’m now trying … Continued