Economic Pulse rises in February on optimistic outlook Updated / Monday, 22 Feb 2021 09:00 Bank of Ireland's Economic Pulse showed a reading of 68.6 in February, up seven points on last month but 17.8 lower than a year ago Bank of Ireland's Economic Pulse rose in February from the previous month as vaccine-related optimism offset lockdown fatigue and post-Brexit headaches. The Economic Pulse showed a reading of 68.6 in February. The index, which combines the results of the Consumer and Business Pulses, was up seven points on last month but 17.8 lower than a year ago. Bank of Ireland said that with the Government announcing that Level 5 restrictions would remain in place until at least March and implementation difficulties in respect of the new trading arrangements with the UK, households and firms were downbeat about their current situation.