Inflation edges up

The Minister for Finance Mr McCreevy took several measures in his Budget specifically to reduce the rate of inflation but the November figures, due out Friday, will come too early to reflect this. While the interest rate environment and the Budget measures will impact on the rate going forward, most analysts expect a small rise in the rate again in November as mortgage rate cuts which helped the index a year ago are not repeated and the effects on the weak euro feed through to a greater degree. The rate will probably stop just short of the 7 per cent mark.

Monday

Results: British Biotech (H1), BSoftB (H1), HP Bulmer (H1), Eliza Tinsley, Europower, Howle Holdings (H1), Kunick, Medisys, Mitie Group (H1), Powderject Pharm (H1), Thyssen, Treatt, Vianet Group (H1).

A.G.M.: Minorplanet Systems, Pfizer.

Meetings: Institute of European Affairs economists' group meets to assess Budget 2001; ASEAN and EU hold ministerial meeting (Laos); EU Parliament plenary session (Strasbourg).

Indicators: British producer prices (Nov); German inflation (Nov).

Others: Institute of Directors lunch addressed by chairman of RTE Authority Mr Paddy Wright (Burlington Hotel, Dublin); IPA yearbook published; Bord Failte announces tourism marketing plans for 2001/03 (Conrad Hotel, Dublin); Pensions Board publishes booklet on Women & Pensions; Allied Domecq deadline for Seafram bid.

Tuesday

Results: Alba (H1), Batleys (H1), Berkeley Group (H1), Carpetright (H1), Computerland (H1), Druck Holding (H1), Eldridge Pope & Co, Firestone Diamonds, First Choice Holidays, Goldshield Group (H1), Leeds, Northgate Info Solutions (H1).

A.G.M.: Elbief, MobilCom (e.g.m.), NSB Retail Systems (e.g.m.), Scottish Value Trust.

Meetings: Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business meets; Control Risks Group breakfast on "Business Information - Protect It or Lose It" (Jurys Hotel, Dublin)

Indicators: EMU GDP (Q3); French inflation (Nov); Japanese Tankan survey (Dec).

Wednesday

Results: Actinic, Convergent Comms (H1), Granada Compass, Slimma.

A.G.M.: Glasgow Income Trust, Lipro (e.g.m.).

Indicators: British average earnings (Oct); US retail sales (Nov) and import prices (Nov).

Others: Pensions Board 10th anniversary dinner (King's Inns, Dublin).

Thursday

Results: Avesco (H1), Blick, Dail Mail, Euro Telecom (H1), Fayrewood (H1), Gucci (Q3), Meconic (H1), Siemens, Teather & Greenwood (H1), Vega (H1), Zytronic.

A.G.M.: British Empire Sec, Estates & General, Ferraris Group, Govett Strategic IT, J Interbanca, Smart Contractors.

Meetings: ECB governing council meeting on interest rates (Frankfurt).

Indicators: British retail sales (Nov); US producer prices (Nov).

Others: IBEC Audiovisual Federation publishes report on "The Economic Impact of Film Production in Ireland 1999".

Friday

Results: Aortech International, Goal, Henderson Technology, ID Data, MAN.

A.G.M.: AB Foods, Aquarius Platinum, Brockhampton Holdings (e.g.m.), Deltron Electronics (e.g.m.), Deutsche Equity Inc, Dumyat Inv Trust (e.g.m.), MAN, Southern Vectis (e.g.m.).

Indicators: Irish inflation (Nov), industrial production (Jul) and retail sales (Sep); US inflation (Nov) and industrial production (Nov); German Ifo index (Nov).

Others: Marketing Society Christmas lunch (Conrad Hotel, Dublin)