The impact of Brexit so far has largely been confined to exchange rates DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGESIrish consumers are more optimistic about the economy than at any point in almost a year and a half as fears over Brexit and potential changes to US tax policy begin to wane, research shows. Consumer sentiment reached a 17-month high in July after edging up marginally from the month before. Increased spending during the summer sales and holidays boosted the latest KBC/ESRI consumer sentiment survey but researchers said other underlying factors such as the strong growth of the economy also contributed to the optimism. In annual terms, the economy grew by 6.1 per cent in the opening quarter of 2017 and is forecast by the Department of Finance to expand by 4.3 per cent over the course of the year. The UK’s decision to…

Source: The Times August 13, 2017 22:52 UTC