Economic sentiment down in September amid energy woes

• Economic Pulse falls in September
• Record low for consumer confidence
• Business sentiment slips

The Bank of Ireland Economic Pulse came in at 70.6 in September 2022. The index, which combines the results of the Consumer and Business Pulses, was down 1.8 on last month’s reading and 17.6 lower than a year ago.

With Europe experiencing disruption to gas flows from Russia, markets on edge and several providers here announcing further gas and electricity price increases, energy matters were to the fore this month. Anxiety over bills weighed on households’ mood, while security of supply as well as cost concerns saw basic infrastructure – energy, water and waste – move up businesses’ priority list for public investment.

Commenting on the September Economic Pulse, Dr Loretta O’Sullivan, Group Chief Economist for Bank of Ireland said: “Economic sentiment was down this month amid an intensification of energy woes. With households facing the prospect of even higher gas and electricity bills over the coming months, consumer confidence sank to an all-time low in September. The unsettled environment also tempered business sentiment, while concerns about the ability of Ireland and other European countries to keep the lights on this winter appear to have prompted some re-assessment of infrastructure needs. When firms were asked to identify the priority area for investment, one in five said basic infrastructure which covers energy, water and waste. This category has traditionally been at the bottom of the list in our survey but moved up the pecking order this month, ahead of telecommunications though it failed to dislodge housing from the top spot.”

Business Pulse

“The uncertain backdrop tempered the business outlook this month.”

• Business Pulse down slightly in September
• Uncertainty at play
• Basic infrastructure moves up the agenda

The Business Pulse stood at 77.7 in September 2022, down 0.7 on last month and 12.3 lower than a year ago. While the sectoral Pulse readings were a mixed bag this month, firms were generally more circumspect about near-term prospects for activity given the unsettled environment, with two thirds saying it is difficult to predict the future development of their business situation at present. September’s research also took a look at infrastructure priorities from a business perspective and finds that housing remains in pole position (42% of firms cited it as the key area for investment), followed by transport (23%), energy, water and waste (19%), and telecommunications (15%).

Consumer Pulse

“A broad-based pullback saw the Consumer Pulse hit a fresh low in September.”

• Consumer Pulse drops in September
• Weakest reading on record
• Cost of living squeeze ongoing

At 42.1 in September 2022, the Consumer Pulse was down 6.3 on August’s print and 38.9 lower than a year ago. Households were more apprehensive about the economy and job prospects this month, and with energy bills for all and mortgage repayments for some on the rise, they were gloomier about their personal finances too. One in three is just managing to make ends meet according to September’s survey, though this varies across the income distribution – the figure for households at the bottom end was 53% for example, compared with 16% for those at the top end.

Housing Pulse

“Housing infrastructure remains the number one priority area for investment.”

• Housing Pulse softer in September
• European Central Bank interest rate hikes underway
• House price expectations stay positive

The Housing Pulse came in at 99.8 in September 2022, down 1.6 on last month and 19.1 lower than a year ago. Survey respondents pared back their expectations for future house price gains this month, but with demand continuing to outstrip supply, 65% still think they will increase over the coming year (versus 68% in August). Housing infrastructure is important from a quality of life standpoint and also has a role to play in facilitating new ways of working and attracting staff from abroad, meaning investment in this area is relevant for firms as well as households.

Regional Pulse

The Bank of Ireland Regional Pulses bring together the views of households and firms around the country. The indices are calculated on a 3 month moving average basis and show that sentiment was down across the board in the July to September period compared with the June to August period.

Three month moving averages: