Market Pulse Report Q1 2025

Market Pulse is an analysis of the key trends in the SME sector, prepared by Fitzgerald Power on a quarterly basis. Check it out here.

Irish Economy

The Central Bank Quarterly Bulletin for Q1 2025 states that Ireland’s economy grew 2.7% in 2024, with broad-based gains in consumer spending, investment, and exports. Retail sales rebounded late in the year, but labour demand plateaued, and inflation rose, led by services and energy costs. Modified Domestic Demand expanded 1.3% year-on-year in Q4, with government spending also supporting growth. The domestically focused sectors grew 2.1%, while MNE-dominated sectors contracted slightly by 0.9%. Early 2025 indicators show a slowdown, as retail sales and traditional sector output weakened, though employment remained strong.

Global Economy

The global economy entered 2025 on solid ground, supported by easing inflation and resilient US growth. However, risks from policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions remain high, requiring business adaptability. Euromonitor International’s Q1 2025 baseline forecast predicts global GDP growth at 3.2% in 2025 and 2026, with inflation expected to fall to 4.1% in 2025.

Labour Market

According to the latest Central Bank quarterly report, employment growth is expected to slow but labour market conditions will remain tight. After strong gains since 2021, growth is forecast at 2.2% in 2025 and 1.9% by 2027, down from 3.4% in 2023. This trend reflects steady projected growth in overall economic activity through 2027.

Inflation

Eurostat figures state that the euro area annual inflation rate was 2.2% in March 2025, down from 2.3% in February. A year earlier, the rate was 2.4%. European Union annual inflation was 2.5% in March 2025, down from 2.7% in February. A year earlier, the rate was 2.6%. The primary drivers of inflation were services, food and alcohol, and energy.

Irish GDP

Irish GDP grew by 13% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to data released this morning by the Central Statistics Office. This sharp increase is most likely driven by a surge in pharmaceutical production as firms moved to mitigate the impact of impending US tariffs. The data reflects how external trade dynamics continue to significantly shape Ireland’s economic performance.

Read more of Q1 2025 in the full report which can be downloaded here.

Event: Market Pulse 2024 Insights and 2025 Predictions Event – 12th February 2025

On the morning of Wednesday 12th February, Fitzgerald Power, in partnership with The Currency, hosted our Market Pulse 2024 Insights and 2025 Predictions event in The Marshall Room, The Dean, Dublin.

Tom Lyons, CEO of The Currency led a dynamic and engaging discussion with our panelists, Mark Flood, Director of Renatus Capital Partners, Brendan O’Reilly, Director of Interpath Advisory and our very own CEO, Stuart Fitzgerald. There were lots of great takeaways from the morning:

• SMEs in Ireland are in a strong position! With inflation lower than the Eurozone average, businesses have a more stable environment to plan for growth and investment.
• The labour market is red hot! With fractional C-suite talent now more accessible, businesses can tap into expertise that wasn’t available before. Now’s the time to secure the right team and drive your business forward!
• Now’s the time to build a solid plan. Set your business up for growth while protecting it if things take a downturn. Strategic planning today ensures resilience tomorrow.

Check out the highlights video here.

Fitzgerald Power is a leading financial advisor to the Irish SME sector.
We provide accountancy, corporate finance and taxation advice to businesses across the country. We’d love to hear from you so please get in touch if you think we can help.

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