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.
It’s raining dividends, hallelujah! Canadian banks set to post strong results
Canada’s top six banks are expected to resume raising dividends and share buybacks after nearly a two-year hiatus and report strong quarterly earnings this week, which could boost the sector’s appeal to yield-hungry investors even as stocks trade close to all-time highs.
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.
Japan PM Kishida urges companies to raise wages by 3% or more
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday urged companies whose earnings have recovered to pre-pandemic levels to raise wages by 3% or more at their labour talks next spring, aiming to achieve a virtuous cycle of growth and wealth distribution.
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.
