Business confidence jumped in April to higher levels than seen even before the Covid-19 pandemic, as they eye the rollout of vaccines and some easing of restrictions, according to Bank of Ireland. The latest Bank of Ireland business pulse index rose by 14.3 points from March to 88.9 for the current month, according to a survey of about 2,000 companies. “Some 53 per cent of firms are anticipating a pick-up in business activity in the near term, while almost a quarter expect to employ more people. This was 1.9 higher than last month’s reading and up 18.5 on a year ago. Though the domestic economy has been hit very hard, the Government has been able to borrow to support firms and individuals and the prospect is for a very strong domestic surge later in 2021,” said Neil Gibson, chief economist for EY Ireland.

Source: The Irish Times April 26, 2021 04:10 UTC