Confidence at its strongest since 2015

Business confidence in Ireland is at its strongest in six quarters as fears surrounding Brexit and possible US policy changes haven’t materialised, according to a report.

The KBC Bank Ireland/Chartered Accountants Ireland business sentiment index found that business confidence has risen to its highest level since late 2015.

The index rose to 118 in the summer quarter, up from 110.6 three months earlier. The report says that while “sentiment remains notably softer than the recent series peak of 131.1 recorded in late 2015”, it recovered to levels seen before the Brexit vote or the increase in uncertainty about US policy intentions.