BORROWERS CAN expect a further reprieve this week, as economists are predicting that the ECB will slash interest rates by another 0.5 per cent on Thursday. Such a move would bring the rate down to 1.5 per cent, which represents a new low.
MONDAY
Results: AIB; HSBC; Kingspan; Nortel Networks; Paddy Power; Premier Foods
Meetings: "PPP In Ireland" conference (Gresham Hotel)
Indicators: Euro zone Flash Estimate of Inflation; US Personal Income and Expenditures, Construction Orders and ISM Manufacturing PMI; UK Manufacturing PMI, Net Lending to Individuals and Bank of England Mortgage Applications.
TUESDAY
Results: Bank of Nova Scotia; CRH; Persimmon; Provident Financial; Xilinx.
Meetings: "Marketing in the Organic Sector: Opportunities and Challenges" conference (County Arms Hotel, Birr); SharePoint Breakfast Meeting seminar (Westpark, Shannon).
Indicators: Irish Business Expenditure On Research and Development (BERD) Survey 2007/2008; US Pending Home Sales and Auto Sales; UK Purchasing Managers Index.
WEDNESDAY
Results:Avis Europe; Blackrock International Land; Dragon Oil FBD; Glanbia; Irish Life and Permanent; ITV; Parmalat; Trintech; Weight Watchers
Meetings: "Networking The Networks" event (Mason, Hayes + Curran, D4)
Indicators: Irish live register (Feb); US Challenger Job Cut Announcements, ADP National Employment Report and ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI; UK Services PMI and Nationwide Consumer Confidence; Italian Services PMI .
THURSDAY
Results: Anheuser-Busch; Aviva; Finisar; Foot Locker; K-Swiss; Total Produce; Urban Outfitters.
Meetings: InterTradeIreland Private Equity Conference 2009 (Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin); Launch of International Women's Day (Carrickdale Hotel, Louth); SFA National Small Business Awards - presented by Taoiseach Brian Cowen (Mansion House, D2).
FRIDAY
Results: Robert Walters; WPP
Meetings: Green Party National Convention (to 8th, Whites Hotel, Wexford). Indicators: Irish Industrial Production and Live Register Additional Tables (Feb); US Average Hourly Earnings, Non-farm Payrolls, Unemployment Rate and Consumer Credit.
