A new long-read article from Bloomberg draws attention to the “dating recession”, how 13.3m extra singles emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and are now adding to an “epidemic of loneliness” in the US. We discuss the decline in social and group activities, the implications for Ireland, and how it can turn around.
The US Federal Reserve delivered a 50 basis points (0.5%) cut in interest rates this week, while the Bank of England held rates unchanged. We contrast the two economies and ask if central bank independence is on the way out in the event of a second Trump presidency.
Finally, a new poll in the Irish Times gives a boost to Simon Harris and Fine Gael. It also reveals that cost-of-living concerns haven’t gone away. Voters believe this will be the main issue that determines their vote at the general election. They also believe it’s the main issue they want addressed at the budget. The poll also shows that two-third of voters believe young people have better life prospects overseas.
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Dale McDermott
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David W. Higgins
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