Nothing Seaping in: US trade advisory panel vital but opacity a concern 

In contrast to their bond brethren, stock investors will likely be well compensated for risking their capital. Historically low discount rates matter and the recent return to optimism may be less surprising, and more durable, than many currently suggest.

The Currency was first to report on the overvaluation of the north-western agribusiness’s sports nutrition subsidiary My Goodness, and annual accounts have now confirmed an asset write-down. But there is much more to the co-op – and other options to sustain it into the future.

We sacrificed tax to lure multinationals. We need similar thinking to help our SMEs in a time of crisis. The first step should be a new deal on rents, which would allow cash strapped companies to survive.

If the Irish banking system refinanced its mortgage book, it could then pass on significant savings to Irish mortgage holders. This would offer significant stimulus to the economy of around €200 per month for the average Irish mortgage holder.

Depending on how it is allocated, Ireland could receive between €2bn and €4bn from the Franco-German proposal. But as a net contributor to the EU budget, the fund could cost Ireland around €8.45 billion over the years. And there is also an ominous warning around future tax reform.

The German Constitutional Court ruled that, in printing money to buy bonds, the ECB seemed to be exceeding its mandate. Complying with the order would tie the bank's hands and make its job impossible. Will the ECB ignore the courts of its most powerful member? And what does it all mean for Ireland?

Butter prices are down, farmers are getting less for their milk and cheese stocks are going into cold stores. But unlike other sectors, Ireland’s dairy industry is working as one and its businesses entered the crisis with strong balance sheets.

Rugby has long been transformed from a sport to a business. Now, that business has been shut down, just as it was set to negotiate a suite of global television deals. Given that many clubs and national unions were already strained, can it adapt to a world of social distancing?

What does the recovery look like? We keep on hearing on recoveries based on the alphabet, but what would each mean for the economy? The answer depends on what we do now and what happens to the virus.

Indigenous Irish firms need more than a package of ad-hoc business supports – they require a clear government strategy to help them transition their businesses to a new economy. And if you look internationally, you can see a suite of options that would work in Ireland.