U.S. economy likely regained steam in Q4, 2021 growth seen best in 37 years

U.S. economic growth likely accelerated in the fourth quarter as businesses replenished depleted inventories to meet strong demand for goods, helping the nation to log its best performance in nearly four decades in 2021.
U.S. consumer confidence dips; more plan to buy big-ticket items

U.S. consumer confidence ebbed slightly in January, with more consumers planning to purchase homes, automobiles and other big- ticket items even as they grew less optimistic about business and labor market conditions in the short term.
IBM marks strong start to new chapter as cloud revenue booms

IBM (IBM.N) on Monday beat Wall Street estimates for revenue in the fourth quarter, as its focus on the cloud paid off in Big Blue’s first earnings after exiting the slow-growing managed infrastructure business.
UK sees record job creation but inflation squeezes wages

British employers hired a record number of staff last month and labour shortages deepened, increasing the chance that the Bank of England will raise interest rates again next month, but pay was squeezed by rapidly rising inflation.
Winter storm slams U.S. East Coast, Canada, thousands of flights canceled

A major winter storm slammed much of the eastern United States with snow, ice and high winds on Sunday, causing widespread travel disruptions and power outages on a holiday weekend.
Analysis: Physical crude oil market steams ahead after Omicron blip

Frantic oil buying driven by supply outages and signs the Omicron variant won’t be as disruptive as feared has pushed some crude grades to multi-year highs, suggesting the rally in Brent futures could be sustained a while longer, traders said.
Analysis: Risk of catching Omicron abroad delays airline recovery

Before the Omicron variant of coronavirus burst onto the scene in November, retired Australian Glenn Turnley was looking forward to a three-week trip to Japan, Britain and France in March – his first overseas jaunt since the pandemic began.
Analysis: As Fed rate hikes loom, China may opt for modest easing to cushion slowdown

China’s central bank is set to unveil more easing steps to support slowing growth, though it will likely favour injecting more cash into the economy than cutting interest rates too aggressively, policy insiders and economists said.
U.S. reports 1.35 million COVID-19 cases in a day, shattering global record

The United States reported 1.35 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, the highest daily total for any country in the world as the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant showed no signs of slowing.
World shares stretch positive start to 2022

World shares extended on Tuesday their positive start to 2022 with markets from Europe to Asia shrugging off worries the Omicron coronavirus variant could choke the global economic recovery, while the dollar rose after U.S. bond yields jumped.