- Investors assessed concerns about the Omicron strain, while China's actions helped mitigate the fallout from increasing property debt distress.
- After rising to their highest level since March on Tuesday, US futures were little changed. Following the greatest increase in more than a year, Europe's Stoxx 600 index fell 0.3%, headed by travel stocks after an earlier gain of up to 0.5%.
- Investors' cautious optimism was tempered by rumors that the UK is expected to announce more covid-19 measures, and the European Central Bank may need more time to clarify its next policy moves after early research revealed immunizations provide a partial barrier against the new strain. Even as crucial loan deadlines at China Evergrande Group and Kaisa Group Holdings passed without any evidence of payment, attempts by Chinese authorities to contain the damage from property market turmoil buoyed some risk assets in Asia.
- After increasing across the curve on Tuesday, Treasury rates dipped. The dollar and crude oil both fell.
- Pfizer and BioNTech say three vaccine doses neutralize omicron variant - Sources $PFE
- UK Interest Rate Futures show a 45% chance of a 15 basis point rise in BoE rates in December, compared to a 57% chance earlier on Wednesday.
- Potential Plan B COVID restrictions could be implemented in the UK with an 85% chance according to various sources. (Sterling, FTSE 100 and UK gilt yields weakened)
- Further COVID restrictions in the United Kingdom will be revealed very soon - FT & Sources
- US oil executives reject Biden officials’ criticism over tight supply - FT.
- Germany’s Chancellor Scholz has officially been elected with 395/416 votes in the coalition majority.
- ECB's de Guindos: I don't believe the new variant will severely hinder the recovery process.
- ECB's Kazaks: Further stimulus only if omicron severely affects growth.
