The World Bank has warned that a new wave of protectionism could threaten economic growth.
While Donald Trump is not mentioned by name, the bank's report says that trade growth's downturn has coincided with a new period of uncertainty regarding trade policies.
It calculates that 0.6 of the 0.8% drop in trade between 2015 and 2016 was due to this factor.
The organisation has lifted its short-term economic growth forecast as the US prepares to introduce a wave of tax cuts, deregulation and infrastructure projects.
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One third of Irish hotels have changed hands since 2011, according to a new report from property consultants, Savills Ireland.
The total value of these transactions was €2.4bn - and this activity was centred around Dublin, Cork, and Limerick cities.
80% of hotels in Cork City have been sold, that falls to 47% in Dublin, and 33% in Galway.
Supply will remain largely unchanged during the rest of this year - in 2018 Savills expects approximately 1,500 new bedrooms to be made available.
Hotel vacancy rates in Dublin's tourist hotspots linger at record lows. In 2016 more tourists than ever before came to the island.
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The Bank of England has warned that it is unlikely to see the next global financial crash coming.
"Our models are just not that good," Monetary policy committee member Gertjan Vlieghe told the UK's Treasury committee.
He said that while these models are constantly being improved, they cannot be seen as fail proof.
The central bank had predicted an economic downturn if the EU voted to leave the UK, but Brexit's immediate effects have led to stronger growth.
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Transport Minister Shane Ross has called on all sides in the Bus Eireann dispute to take time to reflect on the issues at hand.
It follows the collapse of yesterday's talks at the Workplace Relations Commission - which the Minister has described as a 'disappointing' development.
Later this morning the CEO of the National Transport Authority will brief the Government's joint transport committee on the current financial situation at Bus Eireann.
Unions have warned of immediate strike action if the company attempts to push ahead with €12m in payroll cuts by May.
