Business and consumer sentiment improves in January as Omicron fears recede
- Bank of Ireland Economic Pulse rises in January
- Households more upbeat about the economy
- Two in five firms expect business activity to increase in the next 3 months
The Bank of Ireland Economic Pulse came in at 84.5 in January 2022. The index, which combines the results of the Consumer and Business Pulses, was up 4.6 on last month and 22.9 higher than a year ago.
With the acceleration of the vaccine booster campaign and signs that the Omicron wave of the virus may be less severe and relatively short-lived, the mood this month was one of cautious hope. Households sounded a brighter note about the economy, while firms were more optimistic about near-term prospects for business activity.
Against a backdrop of high consumer price inflation and a tightening labour market, the January research also took a look at wage expectations for 2022. The findings show that 46% of workers are anticipating a pay rise in the next 12 months (of just over 3% on average), while half of firms – a series high – are planning on increasing basic pay for their employees (by 4% on average).
Commenting on the January Economic Pulse, Dr Loretta O’Sullivan, Group Chief Economist for Bank of Ireland said: “The Economic Pulse was on the front foot this month as Omicron fears receded, with both the Consumer Pulse and the Business Pulse re-gaining some of the ground they lost late last year. Households and firms were cautiously hopeful that the peak of the virus wave was nigh and that restrictions would be gradually eased through February. So the Government’s announcement on January 21st that virtually all public health measures were to be removed more or less immediately came as something of a surprise. It also came after the fieldwork for this month’s survey was carried out which suggests that economic sentiment may bounce further next month when the reaction to ‘Freedom Day’ is captured.
“For the economy, the lifting of COVID uncertainty is a welcome development, as are the hints in the January Pulse data that supply bottlenecks may be starting to ease. For example, 28% of firms indicated that they were struggling with material, equipment and space shortages this month, which is down from 34% in last October’s survey. A third of firms are continuing to experience labour shortages though and as businesses look to retain and attract staff in the months ahead, and workers find it easier to get or change jobs, some upward pressure on pay is likely.”
Business Pulse
“The Business Pulse got some of its swagger back in January, with three of the four Sectoral Pulses rising.”
- Business Pulse increases in January
- Two in five firms expect activity to increase in the next 3 months
- Pay rises for employees on the cards
At 87.1 in January 2022, the Business Pulse was up 4.7 on December’s reading and 25.2 higher than a year ago. The underlying picture was mixed though. Amid restrictions and virus-related staff absences, firms in all sectors apart from retail were more downbeat about the recent trading period. But with the public health situation expected to improve in the weeks ahead, prospects for near-term business activity were revised up across the board (services firms led the way). Downing Street’s decision to temporarily postpone the introduction of customs controls on goods moving between Ireland and Great Britain also saw firms in industry upgrade their outlook for exports. Labour shortages remain a concern for businesses however, especially those in the construction sector.
- Industry Pulse = 90.4 +3.8 points on the previous survey;
- Services Pulse = 84.8 +5.0;
- Retail Pulse = 90.2 +7.7;
- Construction Pulse = 91.1 -1.0.
Consumer Pulse
“January brought some respite for the Consumer Pulse, which rose for the first time since last autumn.”
- Consumer Pulse up in January
- Households less worried about the economy
- 56% think it is easy to find or change jobs
The Consumer Pulse stood at 74.1 in January 2022, up 4.2 on last month and 13.8 higher than a year ago. Receding Omicron fears helped lift households’ spirits this month, with good news on the FDI and tax fronts – 2021 was a record breaking year for employment in the multinational sector according to the IDA, while the State recorded its highest ever tax take – also providing reassurance about the economy’s resilience. Households were more upbeat about their own finances in January as well, though buying sentiment was unchanged on the month (one in four considered it a good time to make major purchases like furniture and electrical equipment).
Housing Pulse
“The Housing Pulse did its own thing this month, tracking lower notwithstanding the improvement in the consumer mood.”
- Housing Pulse down in January
- Almost four in five households think house prices will rise
- Buying still beating renting
The Housing Pulse came in at 114.1 in January 2022, down 3.4 on last month’s reading but 27.6 higher than a year ago. The share of survey respondents expecting house prices to increase by more than 5% over the coming year ticked down this month (to 38% from 43% in December), contributing to the slippage in the index and hinting at affordability concerns. That said, seven in ten still consider it cheaper to buy than rent in their area when the typical monthly mortgage repayment and the typical monthly rent for similar properties are compared.
Regional Pulse
The Bank of Ireland Regional Pulses bring together the views of households and firms around the country. The results for January 2022 (3 month moving average basis) show that sentiment was down in Dublin and Munster and broadly unchanged in the Rest of Leinster and Connacht/Ulster.
Three month moving averages:
- Dublin Pulse = 87.7 -3.3 points on the previous survey;
- Rest of Leinster = 80.4 +0.2;
- Munster = 79.8 -1.7;
- Connacht/Ulster = 85.5 +0.2.