U.S. not heading toward COVID lockdown, White House says
The United States does not need to impose a lockdown or shut down its economy to curb the spread of COVID-19 and will rely on other tools, White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said on Monday.
Oil and euro slip, markets on edge over COVID-19 curbs in Europe
Asian stocks made a soft start to the week on Monday while oil and the euro were under pressure, as the return of COVID-19 restrictions in Europe and talk about hastened tapering from the U.S. Federal Reserve put investors on guard.
Blackstone makes sweetened $6.2 bln play for Australia’s Crown
Investment giant Blackstone Group Inc (BX.N) made a $6.2 billion approach for troubled Australian casino firm Crown Resorts Ltd (CWN.AX), sweetening an earlier offer as its main rival bidder is beset by regulatory problems.
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.
Miners, mixed earnings drag down European stocks
European stocks slipped on Wednesday, with miners leading the declines after concerns about Chinese intervention hit metal prices, while mixed corporate earnings reports kept investors on edge.
AmEx profit beats as pandemic curbs ease, aiding spending recovery
American Express Co (AXP.N) on Friday reported a higher profit that topped Wall Street estimates for the fourth straight quarter, underpinning a recovery in spending from consumers emboldened by an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Analysis: China’s silence on yuan’s swift gains keeps markets buzzing
As China’s yuan climbs rapidly to its strongest levels in six years against the currencies of the country’s trading partners, a notable absence of concern and intervention by the authorities is unnerving investors.
Fear and employment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from search behavior in the EU
The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing Great Lockdown came with an unseen level of economic uncertainty. This column uses Google search data to document the substantial increase in people’s economic anxiety and the coinciding slowdown in European labour markets in the months following the outbreak.
UK employee numbers surge above pre-pandemic level
British employers added a record 241,000 staff last month, lifting the total number of employees on company payrolls to just above the level before Britain first went into a COVID-19 lockdown last year, official data showed on Tuesday.
Australia business conditions show promising improvement in August-survey
A measure of Australian business conditions showed a welcome improvement in August as sales and profits weather coronavirus lockdowns in parts of the country, offering hope of a speedy recovery once restrictions ease.
