Consumer and business confidence falls amid rising Covid numbers

Shoppers in Cork city. 'The rise in virus cases at home and overseas has rattled nerves, while the rebooting of the economy has hit some speed bumps.' Picture: Damian Coleman

Consumer and business confidence in Ireland dipped following concerns about Covid-19 spikes and some setbacks in re-opening the economy.

Following three consecutive monthly increases in confidence, the Bank of Ireland Economic Pulse stood at 59.3 in August. This was down 2.5 on last month and 19.8 lower than a year ago.