Dutch face three-week, partial lockdown as COVID-19 cases soar
Bars and restaurants will close early and sporting events will be held without audiences under a three-week, partial lockdown that is expected to be announced in the Netherlands on Friday evening.
COVID-19’s epicentre again: Europe faces fresh reckoning
Europe has become the epicentre of the pandemic again, prompting some governments to consider re-imposing unpopular lockdowns in the run-up to Christmas and stirring debate over whether vaccines alone are enough to tame COVID-19.
EXCLUSIVE In strategy shift, Louis Vuitton considers first duty free store in China’s Hainan
Louis Vuitton is considering opening its first duty free store in China on the emerging luxury island hub of Hainan, according to two sources, in a move that would mark a new approach for the world’s largest luxury label.
Toshiba set to announce split into three firms, shareholder reaction in focus
Japanese industrial conglomerate Toshiba Corp (6502.T) is set to outline plans on Friday to break up into three listed companies that will focus on infrastructure, devices and memory chips, sources with knowledge of the matter said.
Global luxury sales set to outpace pre-COVID levels this year, Bain says
The luxury goods sector is set to move past the coronavirus crisis this year, fuelled by domestic spending in the United States and China, particularly on high end shoes, leather goods and jewellery, consultancy Bain said on Thursday.
Analysis: Valuing Argentina’s peso: It could cost the Peronists an election
Argentina’s embattled currency could cost the ruling Peronist party an election – and its key majority in the Senate.
Marketmind: Melt up?
As confidence grows that the world’s biggest central banks are in no hurry for raising interest rates despite progress on the jobs and post-COVID reopening fronts, stock markets have powered to new record highs. A stronger S&P 500 close on Tuesday would see it notching its longest winning streak since 2004.
Global COVID-19 cases hit 250 million, eastern Europe infections at record levels
Global COVID-19 cases surpassed 250 million on Monday as some countries in eastern Europe experience record outbreaks, even as the Delta variant surge eases and many countries resume trade and tourism.
StanChart flags flat annual income despite strong Q3 profit; shares drop
Standard Chartered (STAN.L) forecast flat income for the full year amid “uneven” economic recovery from the pandemic, even as it turned in a stronger-than-expected quarterly pre-tax profit, sending its shares lower on Tuesday.
Factbox: Asia-Pacific countries begin to open selectively for international travel
Asia-Pacific countries, which have had some of the world’s strictest border controls and quarantine rules during the pandemic, are starting to open selectively to fully vaccinated international travellers as well as their unvaccinated children.
