View this email in your browser THE IRISH TIMES Business Today Monday, 09 February, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader Ireland’s home-bidding system is marked by auctions that induce overbidding, pushing prices higher in the proces, a new study has found. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) conducted a controlled auction experiment involving some 800 participants. It found participants’ bids were pushed higher in open auctions managed by estate agents or online platforms than in sealed bid auctions. Eoin Burke-Kennedy has the story. Continue Reading Eoin Burke-Kennedy   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Business Kerry men spend most on flowers for Valentine’s Day, AIB data finds Business Unfilled board vacancies at DAA present a new problem for Darragh O’Brien Business Is midlife career malaise a joke? Business Ireland’s bidding system for homes ‘driving prices higher’ Business Leapmotor: China’s no-frills EV maker aiming to become the next BYD Chris Horn Donald Trump could deflect Maga criticism of AI for the loss of jobs in US towards Ireland MORE BUSINESS STORIES Business Dilosk completes €230m securitisation deal on by-to-let loans Business KPMG pressed its auditor to pass on AI cost savings Business Bitcoin falls below $65,000 to wipe out ‘Trump rally’ Business Personal loan activity surged to record €776m in July through September 2025 Do you have questions about becoming an Irish Times subscriber, or about your subscription?