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Last week was a bumpy ride for investors as markets dipped 2 or 3 per cent on Wednesday and Thursday, before flattening a little on Friday.  What’s going on?  And what’s to be done? The immediate cause here is rising US interest rates, which went up at the end of September, mainly in response to … Continued

Ten years ago, the Irish saver could put their money in bank accounts paying close to 5%.  The cautious investor could afford to take no risk with their money. That seems a world away now.  Bank savers in Ireland have faced a decade-long slide to zero returns. Interest rates have never recovered, and show no … Continued

Households in Ireland had more than €102 billion saved in Irish banks at the end of June 2018. It’s a huge amount of money, and it’s earning next to nothing for the people who have left their money on deposit. Not much interest The Central Bank of Ireland reports that the average interest rate for … Continued

Despite Ireland’s housing shortage, it’s hard to make the numbers add up when it comes to investing in buy-to-let property. The individual landlord faces increasing regulation, professional competition, and a big bet on Ireland’s volatile property market. Moneycube describes what’s going on, and some investment alternatives if you’re considering a property investment. Update 17 May … Continued

For most of us, the days of a guaranteed pension for life from our employer are gone. If you’re reading this, your pension options at retirement are probably more complicated. These days, you have several choices to make use of your defined contribution pension pot. Most people have built up a ‘defined contribution’ pension fund … Continued

For some reason, many people investing their money in Ireland get talked into investments which lock up their cash for five years or even longer.  Moneycube explains why most people should avoid investment plans that come with early exit fees attached. And if you’re considering a plan like this, we have some simple suggestions before … Continued

In the week where Apple’s valuation surpassed $1,000,000,000,000, Moneycube looks at tech companies’ changing fortunes, and what it means for Irish investors. Over the last few years, Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google (aka Alphabet) have become major sources of stock market growth.   Together, they account for around one eight of the main US … Continued

If you have a lump sum to invest arising from a settlement for personal injury, there are some special questions to consider.  Moneycube outlines the key things to think about. 1. Remember you’re investing for the long term Most people want a compensation award to make a long-term difference to their financial situation.  You need … Continued

The State pension currently pays €265.30 per week, or around €13,795 per year (from January 2023). It is paid to people from the age of 66.  The age at which it’s paid is moving up: it’ll be paid from age 67 if you were born between 1955 and 1960, and from age 68 if you were … Continued