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The Business Saturday 4 October 2025

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 9:07 GMT by RTE Online
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The Business – Saturday, 4 October 2025
RTE Radio 1 – 60 minutes of in‑depth economic analysis, corporate news and practical advice for investors, entrepreneurs and everyday listeners.

On Saturday 4 October 2025, RTE Radio 1’s flagship business show The Business delivered a compact but comprehensive snapshot of the week’s most salient economic developments. Hosted by Eoin McMahon with regular contributors Aoife O’Connor (financial markets) and Declan Byrne (business news), the 60‑minute episode was a mix of hard data, interviews with experts, and a “how‑to” corner for listeners looking to protect and grow their wealth.

Below is a word‑by‑word summary of the programme, enriched by the hyperlinks the original show provided for deeper dives into specific topics.

1. Opening Monologue – 2 minutes

McMahon kicked off the episode with a brisk recap of the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting held on Monday 30 September. The ECB kept its key rate at 4.50 % and signaled a cautious “wait‑and‑see” approach to further tightening, citing “persistent inflationary pressure in core sectors.”
Link: [ ECB Press Release – 30 September 2025 ]

McMahon highlighted the immediate impact on the euro‑denominated bond market and reminded listeners that the ECB’s policy shift could ripple through Irish banks, potentially affecting loan rates.

2. Irish Economy – 7 minutes

Aoife O’Connor presented the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The Q3 GDP growth stood at 2.9 % YoY, a solid rebound from the 1.5 % slowdown in Q2. However, O’Connor noted a “sharp uptick in import prices,” which is expected to fuel consumer price inflation in the coming months.
Link: [ CSO – Quarterly Economic Statistics ]

The segment also covered the Irish unemployment rate – down to 4.2 % – and the Government’s recent announcement of a €500 m investment in digital infrastructure across rural Ireland, aiming to curb the “digital divide” that has hampered small‑business growth in the countryside.

3. Market Movers – 10 minutes

Declan Byrne walked listeners through the day’s most significant stock‑market movements. He pointed out the FTSE 100’s 1.3 % rally on Tuesday, driven by strong earnings from GlaxoSmithKline and Boehringer Ingelheim. Byrne noted that the biotech sector had hit a “new high” after the FDA approved a breakthrough gene‑therapy for spinal muscular atrophy.
Link: [ FTSE 100 – Daily Close ]

He also covered the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) Index which slipped 0.7 % amid concerns about corporate earnings from CRH Plc and AIB Group.

A key takeaway was Byrne’s reminder that “investors should keep a close eye on earnings reports scheduled for the next two weeks, particularly in the tech and energy sectors.”

4. Corporate Spotlight – 12 minutes

The programme shifted focus to Coca‑Cola’s expansion into sustainable packaging. Interviewed with Mairead McCarthy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Coca‑Cola Europe, the discussion centred on the company’s commitment to using 100 % recycled PET by 2030. McCarthy explained that the move would not only cut costs but also align with the EU’s Circular Economy Package.
Link: [ EU Circular Economy Action Plan ]

Listeners were also told about a headline from Irish Times that Vodafone Ireland had secured a €200 m partnership with the Department of Communications to roll out 5G infrastructure to the northern counties, boosting rural connectivity and potentially spurring local business ventures.

5. Global Pulse – 8 minutes

The segment on global economics highlighted the U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent rate hike to 5.00 % and its implications for the global banking sector. McMahon warned that the higher U.S. rates were tightening global liquidity, which could pressurise the euro and the Irish pound against the dollar.
Link: [ FRED – Fed Funds Rate ]

A brief commentary on the Asian markets noted that the Nikkei index had dipped 1.5 % after Japan’s Ministry of Finance announced a modest fiscal stimulus aimed at countering the lingering effects of a recent earthquake‑related disruption.

6. Personal Finance Corner – 8 minutes

Aoife O’Connor turned to everyday listeners, offering a “financial hygiene” checklist:

1. Re‑budgeting for inflation – adjusting grocery and energy costs.
2. Reviewing pension contributions – with the Government’s new “Pension Flex” scheme allowing higher voluntary contributions without penalty.
3. Diversifying investments – including a brief rundown on green bonds issued by the Irish State to fund renewable projects.

Listeners were directed to the Irish Pension Service website for a quick online calculator to estimate how much extra a €200 monthly contribution could yield by retirement.
Link: [ Irish Pension Service – Online Calculator ]

O’Connor also urged listeners to be wary of “get‑rich‑quick” schemes that have surged in popularity on social media, reminding them to seek professional advice before making large investment decisions.

7. Startup Spotlight – 5 minutes

Declan Byrne highlighted a startup in Galway that has created a AI‑driven platform for small‑scale farmers to predict crop yields and price fluctuations. The company, AgriAI, has just secured a €3 m seed round from the Enterprise Ireland accelerator programme. Byrne interviewed the CEO, Sean McGinn, who explained how the platform could help reduce food waste and improve profit margins for rural farmers.

Listeners were invited to visit the company’s website for a live demo and to download a free agricultural market report.
Link: [ AgriAI – Free Demo ]

8. Policy Watch – 4 minutes

The final segment covered the Government’s upcoming budget, scheduled for presentation next Friday. The Budget is expected to include a €1.2 billion increase in Research and Development (R&D) tax credits for companies investing in high‑tech and green energy solutions. McMahon quoted a senior Department of Finance official: “We want to keep Ireland at the forefront of innovation, especially post‑Brexit, where we’re redefining our role in the EU’s tech ecosystem.”

Listeners were urged to read the full budget proposal, which is available on the Irish Treasury website.
Link: [ Irish Treasury – Budget Proposal 2025 ]

9. Closing – 3 minutes

McMahon wrapped up the show by reminding listeners that the economic landscape in 2025 is still being shaped by the dual forces of inflationary pressures and a global shift towards sustainable growth. He encouraged listeners to stay informed through credible sources, use the tools and links provided, and to keep a long‑term perspective when making financial decisions.

The programme concluded with a preview of next week’s Business theme: “Financial Literacy in the Digital Age,” promising deeper dives into digital banking, crypto‑assets, and the evolving role of fintech in Irish households.

Key Takeaways

With a blend of macro‑economic analysis, corporate updates, and practical personal finance advice, The Business offered listeners a nuanced view of Ireland’s economy and its place within the broader global landscape. Whether you’re an investor, a business owner, or simply curious about how policy changes might impact your wallet, the episode gave you the data, context, and resources to make informed decisions.