ONE WAY TO AVOID ENERGY PRICE HIKES...

Consumers face a spate of price increases from fuel suppliers – yet they can save six times more than what recent hikes cost just by switching provider. ‘Little over one in ten of us switch energy suppliers each year. An average dual fuel customer can save up to €342 and you’ll save even more if you have higher consumption,’ said Eoin Clarke of Switcher.ie. ‘If you’re really concerned about future hikes, you could also consider a fixedrate energy deal – you won’t make such a large initial saving, but you will be protected from future price hikes for a period of time and this peace of mind could be worth its weight in gold.’ Investment analysts predictions on who will win the World Cup don’t inspire much confidence in their stock market tips. Global giants Commerzbank and UPS favoured Germany, who fell at the first hurdle. Dutch bank ING researchers bet on Spain because its squad’s value is higher than any other nation’s. Yet Spain too made an early exit. Nomura used its stockpicking techniques as well as data on the value, form and historical performance of players to tip France to beat Spain in the final, with Brazil in third place. That’s not going to happen now that Spain and Brazil are out, but France are still going strong, saving some face for the Japanese giant.