FT News Briefing Forecasting the world in 2022
Jan 3, 2022
The US faces an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, largely driven by the Omicron variant, straining healthcare resources. Tesla defies supply chain challenges, achieving record vehicle deliveries as competition in electric vehicles heats up. Economic forecasts for 2022 reveal the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on global markets, while central banks grapple with inflation and changing interest rates. Expert insights provide a glimpse into stock market expectations amid these turbulent times.
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Unprecedented Omicron Surge in US
- The US is experiencing record-high COVID cases due to Omicron, exceeding all previous daily totals.
- This surge has strained the hospital system and surprised officials like Anthony Fauci.
CDC Isolation Guidelines Reconsidered
- The CDC shortened COVID isolation guidelines to 5 days for asymptomatic individuals, facing pushback.
- They are now considering requiring testing after the 5-day period.
Omicron's Impact on Businesses
- The Omicron surge caused significant disruption over the New Year's weekend, affecting airlines and businesses.
- Thousands of US flights were disrupted, impacting travel and potentially other sectors reliant on air travel.