Fidelity Top Stories
Babcock H1 profits up but warns on Omicron, inflation, supply chain pressure
UK defence engineering firm Babcock reported a rise in underlying interim profit, but expressed caution over the Omicron coronavirus variant and ongoing inflation and supply chain constraints.
GSK-Vir drug works against all Omicron variants - study
GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology on Tuesday said their antibody Covid-19 treatment was effective against all mutations of the Omicron variant, according to early-stage studies.
BAT holds guidance as new product popularity rises
British American Tobacco maintained annual profit and sales guidance as more people switched to its vaping and oral nicotine products.
Data on severity of Omicron is 'a bit encouraging' thus far, White House's Fauci says
A top US health official said the evidence on the severity of the illness caused by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was a "bit encouraging" so far.
Tesco faces empty shelves at Xmas as strike threat looms
Tesco warehouse workers and drivers are preparing to hold a series of strikes over pay which could result in shortages in stores across the country, their union said on Monday.
Uber loses UK High Court bid over London business model
Ride-hailing company Uber has lost a High Court bid to have its business model ruled compatible with London’s transport operating laws.
UK CPI will 'comfortably' exceed 5.0 per cent in April, BoE's Broadbent says
A top Bank of England official said that the central bank´s inflation forecast for the second quarter of 2022 may need to be raised.
First signs of Omicron hitting shopping habits - Springboard
The Covid Omicron variant has started to alter UK shopper habits, according to retail surveyor Springboard.
PBoC announces half point cut to RRR for all lenders
The People's Bank of China said that it will lower its reserve requirement ratio for all lenders, as hinted to by Chinese premier Li Keqiang and the country's Politburo.
Preliminary SA data appear to show shorter hospital stays, but still not conclusive
Initial data from a major hospital centre in South Africa at the centre of the new wave of Covid-19 brought on by the Omicron variant appear to show that patients require less medical care.
Saudi raises crude prices for Asia in January in possible sign of confidence
Crude oil futures are trading on the front foot in the early going after Saudi Aramco raised its official selling prices for Asia in January.
Apax Global funds sell stakes in Unilabs
Funds advised by Apax Global Alpha are selling their stakes in laboratory and imaging diagnostics services company Unilabs to AP Møller Holding.
3i Infra buys 92% stake in SRL Traffic Systems for £191m
3i Infrastructure has bought a 92% stake in equipment rental company SRL Traffic Systems for £191m.
Best to wait for more data on Omicron before hiking Bank Rate, BoE's Saunders says
One of the most hawkish top Bank of England officials said at the end of the week that it might be best to wait for more information on the implications of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, before hiking short-term interest rates.
Eurozone Nov PMI rise could be short-lived as Omicron threatens - IHS Markit
Eurozone business activity picked up the pace in November but the acceleration could be short lived as the Omicron coronavirus variant and intensifying cost pressures knocked sentiment, according to a survey released on Friday.
Wickes lifts annual guidance on strong Q4 trading
Home improvement retailer Wickes on Friday lifted full-year profit guidance as it continued to trade well in the fourth quarter to date.
OPEC+ to raise output, but leaves itself room for manoeuvre
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies surprised some oil traders with their decision to go ahead with their previously planned output hike in January - despite the appearance of Omicron, the new strain of Covid-19.
Weekly US jobless claims bounce back by less than expected
US jobless claims rebounded a little following a steep drop during the previous week that saw them fell to a level not seen since November 1969.
Omicron cases outside South Africa no deadlier, Australian official says
On current evidence, the Omicron variant of Covid-19 did not yet appear to be any deadlier than previous ones, Australian health officials said.
Is it really worth vaccinating the entire globe for $50bn? OECD asks
Vaccinating people around the entire globe could cost a staggering $50bn, but it would be worth the effort, even if only because of the rather higher cost of not doing so, the rich world´s economic watchdog argued.