Stock Take

Ellie Donnelly’s Stock Take: Economic slowdown to bite in second half of year

Credit has tightened, manufacturing is slowing, consumption is dropping, and consumer confidence is weakening in Europe and the US

Shoppers on Grafton Street – but consumption is dropping worldwide. Picture: Fergal Phillips

There are now clear signs beginning to emerge that the increase in interest rates over the last year is beginning to take hold in the global economy. For those tracking the key indicators, the signs are all there.

Credit has tightened, manufacturing output is slowing, consumption levels are dropping, and consumer confidence is weakening in both Europe and the US. After 12 months of repeated interest rate hikes by both the ECB and the Federal ...