Brian Finn

Business Journalist

Brian Finn is a Business Journalist and presenter with RTE News across radio, television and online.

ECB President Christine Lagarde is likely to deliver another rate cut in September

September shaping up to be a month of interest rate cuts

After months of speculation and some first moves, it looks like September is going to be the month in which the interest rate environment firmly turns a corner. It should be good news for mortgage holders, especially those with trackers. They could be in line for a double round of rate cuts.

Business • 01 Sep 24

More and more parents are going into debt to cover the back to school costs while others are cutting back on non-essential items in order to keep the overall spend down

Back to school costs remain elevated despite assistance

Despite the introduction of new measures in recent years to assist families coping with the cost of returning to school, the annual bill remains elevated. Many families are going into debt, as calls grow louder for more measures to ensure schools are containing costs as much as possible.

Business • 27 Aug 24

July's increase marked the eleventh month in a row of rising motor insurance premiums

Why are motor insurance premiums back on the rise?

Car insurance premiums - having declined for a number of years - are back on the rise again. There are a number of factors at play but motorists had expected recent changes in the injury awards mechanisms to deliver greater savings.

Business • 18 Aug 24

Three quarters of agents reported low available housing stock levels on their books (stock image)

Property prices on course for 4.5% growth - estate agents

Estate agents expect property prices nationally to increase by an average of 4.5% over the next 12 months.

Business • 14 Aug 24

The bull may have been replaced by the bear when it comes to the performance of a number of the magnificent seven stocks

Is it the end of the road for the 'Magnificent Seven'?

The 'magnificent seven' stocks appear to have run out of steam following a relentless rally in their share prices in recent months. Is it just the natural end of a cycle or is the market on the cusp of change ahead of expected interest rate cuts ahead?

Business • 06 Aug 24

As is so often the case with the property market here, there is a multitude of factors at play in driving prices higher

Why are property prices picking up steam again?

Property prices are firmly on the ascent once again. Having slowed last year on the back of a rapid succession of interest rate increases, the pace of price growth is showing signs of renewed momentum.

Business • 22 Jul 24

Kier Starmer has a closer bond than most Prime Ministers have had with Ireland

Press reset; what lies ahead for UK economy and trade?

A 'reset' of relations has been promised following the installation of a new Labour government in the UK. Much of it will hinge on the willingness of the EU to play ball with the Starmer administration, but the omens are generally looking good on the trade and economic front.

Business • 06 Jul 24

Bank of Ireland's downwards revision was accounted for mainly by distortions associated with the multinational sector rather than any material slowdown

BoI revises GDP outlook, but expects healthy growth

Bank of Ireland has downgraded its outlook for growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 1% this year and 3.9% in 2025.

Business • 03 Jul 24

The cost of building apartments in Dublin was just over €300 higher than the average of €2,057 per square metre across the ten cities

Dublin among the priciest cities for apartment building

Dublin has ranked as the second most expensive city in a list of ten when it comes to the cost of building apartments.

Business • 03 Jul 24

Local authorities are required to only inspect between 12 and 15% of new buildings notified to them

SCSI calls for increase in building control inspections

Ireland's approach to the enforcement of building regulations requires a cultural shift, according to the new President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors.

Business • 10 Jun 24