AIB has kick-started the year with a euro bond for investors. The bond is suitable for investors with a lump sum of more than £5,000 which will be invested in quoted companies which are part of the euro zone.

Investments can be made for any period of time but AIB recommends investors should at least be prepared to tie up their money in the bond for five years to secure the best rate of return.

Meanwhile, for investors who fancy buying a few shares this year, NCB Stockbrokers suggests there is still plenty of good value around. The brokers are tipping Bank of Ireland, AIB, Elan, Smurfit, Irish Life and Greencore as the most likely of the bigger stocks to do well.

Among the smaller stocks, NCB points to Irish Continental Group, IAWS, Kingspan and Abbey as being worth a punt.