Apple's ability to shelter billions of dollars of income from tax has depended on an unusual loophole in the Irish tax code that helps the country compete with other countries for investment and jobs.

The country's largest supermarket chain has launched an electronic version of its customer loyalty card, one of several recent initiatives. The new version of Kroger's app, which launched last week, allows customers with loyalty cards to download electronic coupons, renew prescriptions, keep track of fuel rewards, create a shopping list and see weekly advertisements.

After rising since the recession and hitting record highs, used car prices are easing, and the trend will continue, experts say.