AFTER LAST week’s spike in risk aversion due to Dubai’s debt problems, investor confidence – or lack of it – will remain a key force in driving market movements.

At home, the budget build-up gets going in earnest. Exchequer returns to the end of November will be published, shedding further light on the budget challenges facing the Government.

MONDAY

Meeting: Siptu to give briefing on the economy and pay trends.

Indicators: Irish census of industrial production 2008 and Central Bank monthly statistics.

Other: Aryzta trading update; Ictu's pre-budget submission.

TUESDAY

Meeting: Irish-India Business Association annual lunch (Westin Hotel).

Other: Financial Services Ombudsman to publish details of complaints to his office; Revenue to publish latest list of tax defaulters.

WEDNESDAY

Meeting: Ireland-China economic and trade co-operation forum.

Indicators: Irish live register (Nov) and exchequer balance (Nov).

Other: Launch of the Pension Ombudsman's annual report.

THURSDAY

Meeting: ECB governing council meeting, followed by interest rate announcement; Aryzta agm.

FRIDAY

Indicators: Irish cross-Border shopping – results from the quarterly national household survey.