{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/664f36aa01dca400121017ad/69c18d90fce4b829c53146d0?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Gulf Crisis Shockwaves: Energy Prices, UK Interest Rates, and the Northern Ireland Economy","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/664f36aa01dca400121017ad/1774292314777-c77c382d-842d-4194-8cea-647bb7f34fcc.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of <em>Trading Up Unpacked</em>, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the severe global and local economic impacts of the escalating Gulf conflict, \"Operation Epic Fury\". With key energy infrastructure damaged and oil supplies threatened, they discuss the looming threat of stagflation and why the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee may be forced to hike UK interest rates. Furthermore, they examine why the UK government's soaring debt levels and borrowing costs make another massive energy bailout highly unlikely.</p><p><br></p><p>The conversation then shifts to the Northern Ireland economy. While the local hospitality sector faces immense pressure from rising costs and significant job losses, there are distinct bright spots in manufacturing and tech. They reveal how the global AI boom is driving expansion for Seagate in the Northwest, and how Wrightbus is thriving with new zero-emission transit contracts.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Brought to you in association with EY. </em></strong><em>The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.</em></p><p><br></p><p><em>Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.</em></p>","author_name":"The Irish News"}