International News
Europe close: Stocks give back early gains
European shares pared early gains on Monday even after positive news around AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine.
US economic activity hits March 2015 highs, IHS Markit says
The fourth wave of Covid-19 infections in the US failed to dent the economic rebound in the US, the results of two closely-followed surveys revealed.
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination may be required for travel, says Qantas
International passengers will only be able to travel on Qantas flights if they have been vaccinated against Covid-19, the airline’s chief executive has suggested.
Airbnb finally files for end-2020 IPO
Airbnb finally filed for its long-awaited initial public offering on Monday and is reportedly aiming to raise $3bn in a transaction that would give it a valuation of $30bn.
Merck to buy Oncolmmune for $425m
Merck has agreed to buy privately-held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company OncoImmune for an upfront payment of $425m in cash.
CMA mulling opening investigation into Google 'privacy sandbox' adtech
The UK’s Competitive Markets Authority is mulling whether to open an investigation into Google after receiving a complaint against what a group of companies alleged was an anticompetitive new advertising technology which the search giant was set to roll-out early in 2020.
US pre-open: Futures higher as vaccine optimism drives gains
Wall Street futures had stocks opening higher ahead of the bell on Monday as another round of positive Covid-19 vaccine headlines boosted optimism among traders.
Bank may soften resistance to restart of UK lenders' dividend payouts
UK regulators may be set to ease their resistance to dividend payments starting from early 2021.
Danone to cut 2,000 jobs as part of company-wide overhaul
Danone is to cut up to 2,000 jobs, or 2% of its global workforce, as part of a wide-reaching overhaul of the business intended to save more than €1bn by 2023.
Eurozone business activity slumps amid Covid-19 second wave
Eurozone business activity fell sharply in November, putting the bloc on track for a double-dip recession as governments imposed restrictions to stem a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
Aviva sells Italian life joint venture stake for €400m
Aviva has agreed to sell its 80% stake in its Italian life insurance joint venture to its partner UBI Banca for €400m (£356m) in cash as the insurer continues to reduce its international operations.