Time to wrap up… here’s today’s main stories:
US jobless claims has risen to a three-month high, after the Omicron variant hit the US economy.
A majority of UK firms have reported that turnover dropped in December as Plan B restrictions kept customers away…
…while households have reported that the cost of living has pushed up, led by pricier food, energy and fuel.
The government has been urged to provide “helicopter money” to support households hit by escalating energy bills, as inflation hits the economy.
Expectations of higher UK interest rates have pushed the pound to a 23-month high against the euro.
Companies, such as Citi, have started calling staff back to the office now that pandemic restrictions are being lifted, leading to busier public transport.
And there could be a rush of delayed Christmas parties in the next few months, after corporate clients rebook events cancelled in…
