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For Ryanair, the key question is whether the airline will signal a softening in fares after a busy summer season. For Diageo, against an unsettled backdrop of leadership changes and shifting consumer habits, how will the drink maker’s numbers look? Ryanair’s second-quarter results for fiscal year 2026 are released today. The airline reported profits of €1.6bn last year, but faces higher operating costs and ongoing challenges from air traffic disruptions in Europe. Analysts will be watching for commentary on demand for winter routes, forward bookings, and whether CEO Michael O’Leary expects another year of strong profit margins or a more cautious outlook. On Thursday, Guinness-owner Diageo releases its first-quarter 2026 trading update. The drinks group, which also own Baileys and Smirnoff, has been navigating a period of slowing growth, partly due to a general dip in the popularity of alcohol products. Investors will be watching to see if sales are holding firm and whether the company’s premium brands continue to drive revenue. Tomorrow a release worth looking out for is AIB Group’s Q3 2025 trading update, offering a snapshot of domestic economic activity. Beyond corporate results, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) will issue its October unemployment figures on Wednesday, giving an update on the labour market after September’s 4.7pc unemployment rate. On the same day there will be monthly card payment data from the Central Bank of Ireland. Also in midweek, the IRISSCERT Cybercrime Conference returns to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, bringing together industry experts including BBC cyber correspondent Joe Tidy. Across the Irish Sea, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Report on Thursday will shape expectations for UK interest rates coming into the highly anticipated – and much feared – budget which chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil on November 26. Finally, the Government’s consultation on the EU Platform Work Directive closes today at 5pm. The directive will decide how online platforms classify their workers who inhabit what is known as the ‘gig economy’, including freelancers, delivery personnel and taxi drivers. The directive will introduce new rules on transparency and data use, and could require some companies to employ workers currently listed as contractors.
