Analysis: Ready to pounce: Investors prepare for swings, opportunities as Omicron variant spreads
The latest COVID-19 virus variant has sparked a wild ride in markets.
WHO says it is not yet clear if Omicron causes more severe disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday that it is not yet clear if the new Omicron coronavirus variant is more transmissible compared to other SARS-CoV-2 variants or if it causes more severe disease.
Travellers on edge as countries tighten rules due to Omicron fears – travel agents
Some would-be travellers are considering cancelling or delaying trip plans in response to fresh curbs prompted by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, travel agents said on Monday, threatening an already fragile recovery for the global tourism industry.
Amazon exec says Omicron’s impact on holiday spending uncertain
A senior Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) executive said it remains too early to predict how the Omicron coronavirus variant will impact consumer spending during the holiday season but suggested that shoppers will press ahead for now.
Currencies recover from Omicron chaos but analysts warn more volatility ahead
Currency markets calmed on Monday in Asia after the initial shock of the discovery of the Omicron coronavirus variant sent investors scurrying for cover last week, but analysts warned of more volatility with little still known about the new strain.
Japan joins Israel in barring foreigners as Omicron worries spread
Japan said on Monday it would close its borders to foreigners, as the world’s third-largest economy joined Israel in taking the toughest measures against the new coronavirus variant Omicron, which also cast a cloud over Australia’s re-opening plans.
Stocks lurch lower, bonds jump as virus variant spooks investors
Stocks suffered their sharpest drop in three months in Asia on Friday and oil tumbled after the detection of a new and possibly vaccine-resistant coronavirus variant sent investors scurrying toward the safety of bonds, the yen and the dollar.
Locked in hotels: Hong Kong’s COVID-19 rules take mental toll on Cathay pilots
One of Asia’s largest airlines, Cathay Pacific, is facing a revolt from pilots who say Hong Kong’s tough quarantine rules under its zero-COVID policies are endangering their mental health, leading to rising stress and resignations.
COVID-19 threatens to knock away Germany’s last pillar of growth
A surge in coronavirus infections in Germany is weighing on consumer morale in Europe’s largest economy, dampening business prospects in the Christmas shopping season and threatening to kick away its last remaining pillar of growth.
COVID-19 cases surge 23% in Americas, mostly in North America – health agency
New COVID-19 cases have jumped 23% in the Americas in the last week, mostly in North America where both the United States and Canada are reporting increasing infection rates, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday, warning that the region might be facing a relapse as in Europe.
