If businesses are under some form of restriction for up to two years, how will they fare? The fate of retailers could vary quite differently, Bowley said, depending on whether they could meet the social distancing rules. SIMON O'CONNOR/STUFF Large retailers may be able to re-open quickly because shoppers can maintain a distance from others. While there would be opportunities for some "beaten up" companies, Forsyth Barr was shifting increasingly towards defensive stocks, companies with low competition or a necessary product or service. Another move down to Level 1 could then take three to six months, and it could take six months to two years to move from alert level 1 to no restrictions at all.

Source: Stuff April 16, 2020 02:28 UTC