Advertisement

Opening Bell: Europe waits for Greece, construction stalls in Ireland, Stripe's Euro-expansion

Markets remain jittery as the prospect of Greece leaving the eurozone grows. Speaking yesterday E...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.33 16 Jun 2015


Share this article


Opening Bell: Europe waits for...

Opening Bell: Europe waits for Greece, construction stalls in Ireland, Stripe's Euro-expansion

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.33 16 Jun 2015


Share this article


Markets remain jittery as the prospect of Greece leaving the eurozone grows. Speaking yesterday ECB President Mario Draghi said: “We need a strong and comprehensive agreement with Greece. And we need it very soon.”

His comments came as Greek banks continue to leak deposits as the future of the country's economy grows increasingly unclear - it seems that if the Greeks are to come back from the brink there will need to be a breakthrough at this Thursday's Eurogroup meeting.

Mr Draghi echoed calls from other leading European officials, saying that the onus is on Greece to make a deal happen:

Advertisement

"While all actors will now need to go the extra mile, the ball lies squarely in the camp of the Greek government to take the necessary steps."

Meanwhile Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras has accused the country’s creditors, the IMF, ECB and EU of political motives for demanding further pension cuts suggesting that their real motive was to destroy the credibility of his left wing Syriza government. He warned again that Greece would continue to defend its sovereign dignity after five years of “pillaging”. 

______________________________________________________________

The value of construction projects started in Ireland during the first quarter of 2015 fell by close to one fifth, year on year.

According to the Building Information Index, €330m more was spent on new projects during the same period in 2014 - it is unclear if this is a natural tapering off after a period of extended growth, or if the Central Bank's new mortgage rules have caused the market to cool down.

The value of planning applications submitted during the quarter increased by 42 percent to €3.6bn.

______________________________________________________________

Stripe, the online payment company started by Irish brothers Patrick and John Collison, is planning a major expansion in Europe.

It intends to launch new services in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland - this would bring its services to 20 countries.

John Collison spoke yesterday at the MoneyConf financial technology conference in Belfast, where he said that the company hopes to continue to move into new regions.

______________________________________________________________

Shares in Dragon Oil, which is listed on both the Irish and London Stock Exchanges, surged yesterday by 734p (10 percent) following board recommendation of a final offer from Emirates National Oil Company, valuing the company at just over €5bn.

The Emirates Oil company, which already owns 54 percent of Dragon, made an initial offer of 650p per share in March for the remaining shares and has now increased its offer to 750p per share.

A formal offer document will be sent to minority shareholders within the next 28 days.

______________________________________________________________

Representatives of Clery's workers will meet the company's liquidators KPMG this morning.

It comes ahead of a rally outside the iconic Dublin department store at noon.

Around 400 staff say they've been left in limbo following the decision to close Clerys last Friday. 

The premises has been sold to a property development company Natrium.

 


Share this article


Read more about

Business

Most Popular