Half of businesses optimistic about coming months

A new report released by IIB bank has revealed a more optimistic mood than generally expected in the Irish business climate.

The bank's latest Business Sentiment Survey indicates that more than half of all firms expect their business to increase in the coming three months.

Half of those surveyed also expect the slowdown in the housing market to have little of no effect on their business.

IIB says the survey shows that pessimism in the economy is misplaced, with just one in nine companies expecting business to decline in the coming months.