View this email in your browser THE IRISH TIMES Business Today Thursday, 12 February, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader Minister for Public Enterprise Peter Burke has conceded the EU-Mercosur trade deal, seen by many as a hedge against US tariffs, may take up to two years to ratify. Eoin Burke-Kennedy has the story. It is too early to say whether Government attempts to lure investors back into the Irish property market are working, the head of Dublin estate agent Hooke and MacDonald has told Eoin Burke-Kennedy. Despite a pickup in new home completions, Ken MacDonald said the vast majority of the 12,047 apartments completed in 2025 were commenced in the 2022-2024 period. Shares in Smurfit Westrock jumped more than 10 per cent in New York after the Irish-led packaging firm reported strong results and an upbeat medium-term forecast. Barry O’Halloran has the story. Continue Reading Peter Flanagan   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Business Mercosur deal may take up to two years to ratify, Burke says Economy ‘Fighting for our place in new global economy’: EU leaders meet to revive bloc’s economy Business Banks urge Government to set up household saving accounts to help firms needing capital Business Too early to say whether measures to lure property investors back are working Business Shares struggle for direction on mixed day of trading Richard Cantillon Do we really need artificial intelligence instead of phonelines? MORE BUSINESS STORIES Business Renewed plan to develop south Dublin site faces opposition Business Sky signs on with Disney+ for subscription deal Business AIB workers to receive up to 3.5% pay rise after agreement with union Business Irish mortgage rates fall to lowest level in almost three years