Following another turbulent year, we appear to be returning to a greater degree of normality in the wider economy. Inflation in Ireland fell to 2.3 per cent in November, edging closer to the ECB’s target of two per cent, and supply chains have mostly recovered following the invasion of Ukraine. However, risks do remain. We now find ourselves on the back of the most aggressive series of interest rate hikes in the history of the euro. Also, escalating tensions between the USA and China, and the conflict between Israel and Palestine remain causes for concern.