Factbox: U.S. banks tighten COVID-19 precautions as Omicron variant spreads
U.S. banks have been more proactive than other industries in encouraging employees back to the office, but those plans have come under renewed scrutiny due to the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
UK businesses report weakest growth since last lockdown – CBI
British businesses have reported their weakest growth since the country was under lockdown earlier this year and they expect a further slowdown in early 2022, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said on Thursday.
Japan raises FY2022 GDP growth estimate amid risks to outlook
Japan upgraded on Thursday its growth projections for the next fiscal year starting in April, saying it expected gross domestic product (GDP) to hit a record even amid risks from the Omicron variant and supply constraints, Cabinet Office officials said.
Japan to unveil record $943 bln budget draft to ensure post-COVID recovery
Japan’s government is set to unveil its largest annual budget on Friday with $943 billion in spending for the fiscal year beginning next April, further straining the industrial world’s heaviest debt, a draft plan seen by Reuters showed.
Analysis: After another stunning U.S. stock market year, investors wonder how much gas is left
The U.S. stock market is set to deliver a three-peat of stellar annual returns, but chances of a similar performance in 2022 may be threatened by a more hawkish Federal Reserve, slowing earnings growth and a relentless pandemic.
Boeing suspends vaccine mandate for U.S. employees
Boeing Co (BA.N) suspended its coronavirus vaccination requirement for U.S.-based employees, the U.S. planemaker said on Friday, capping weeks of uncertainty as thousands of workers sought exemptions and challenges to a federal mandate played out in court.
Dollar shines, euro droops as Omicron spreads while Fed hawks circle
The U.S. dollar hovered near the highest since July of last year against major peers on Monday after a Federal Reserve official signaled a first pandemic-era interest rate hike could come as early as March.
Asia stocks, oil prices suffer as Omicron spreads
Asian share markets fell and oil prices slid on Monday as surging Omicron cases triggered tighter restrictions in Europe and threatened to drag on the global economy into the new year.
Pandemic have-a-go investors force shake-up in UK wealth market
The explosion in DIY investing since the start of the pandemic has led to a scramble among Britain’s more traditional asset managers and banks to buy or build online platforms that give consumers more direct control of their investment portfolios.
Analysis: Jabs for jobs: U.S. vaccine mandates offer bargaining chip for worker rights
U.S. vaccine mandates are giving workers greater negotiating power, experts say, as the threat of strikes and collective action wins concessions for workers pummeled by the pandemic.
