S&P: Republic of Ireland 'A+/A-1' ratings affirmed; outlook stable - Reuters

Key highlights from S&P's latest report on the Republic of Ireland, via Reuters:

• Ireland is supported by the country's open productive economy and improving headline fiscal indicators
• U.S. departure from the EU without a free trade arrangement would damage Irish growth, although only temporarily
• Expect a continued improvement in Irish banks' capitalization over the next two years
• Project average annual real GDP growth in Ireland to exceed 3% over forecast horizon to 2020, despite material external risks from Brexit
• Given the thorough restructuring of the Irish banking system, however, we assess contingent liabilities from the financial sector as limited
• Stable outlook reflects balance of risks to budgetary and economic performance