Business and consumer sentiment has fallen for a third consecutive month, according to the latest Bank of Ireland 'Economic Pulse' out today.
The survey was conducted amid turbulent scenes in the UK Parliament. While Britain has passed legislation aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit at the end of October, it has failed to quell fears in the Irish economy, with economic sentiment down again this month - albeit by less than in July and August.
Bank of Ireland group chief economist Loretta O'Sullivan said the pulse reading of 76.2 - which is down 2.9 points on last month and 16.5 lower than a year ago - shows households and firms are on edge.
"The regional readings were also down, as a picture emerged of households and firms on edge, with little expectation of the upcoming Budget providing any major relief," she said.
The Business Pulse came in at 76.6 for September, down 3.3 points from August and the third consecutive monthly fall for the index.
While the Retail Pulse recovered some of the ground it lost in August, the Industry and Construction Pulses saw large drops this month, and the Services Pulse also slipped.
Brexit remains a big concern for firms, with almost nine in 10 expecting it to negatively affect the local economy in their region in the coming year, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Pulse stood at 74.4 in September, down 1.5 points on August, as Brexit uncertainty continues to weigh on the mood.
Worries about the economy took centre stage once again, and households downgraded their assessment of the current situation and prospects for the coming year.
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