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<ul><li>Scientists from <keyword id="208994" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Wuhan" source="Orion">Wuhan</keyword>, China have warned that the <keyword id="13048277" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NeoCov" source="Orion">NeoCov</keyword> strain has a high death and transmission rate.</li><li>The NeoCov is not a new variant as it was discovered in 2012 and 2015 in Middle Eastern countries and is very similar to SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) in humans.</li><li>Studies show that the COVID-19 vaccinations may not be adequate enough to protect the immune system of the people.</li></ul>While the world is still grappling with the <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> variant of COVID-19, reports of another variant ‘NeoCov’ has started already spreading. Scientists from Wuhan, China have warned that this strain has a high death and transmission rate. The NeoCov strain is related to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome MERS COV. According to Chinese researchers, one in every three infected people dies from this strain. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is NeoCov a new variant?" comment="subhead" text="Is NeoCov a new variant?">Is NeoCov a new variant?</cmsannotation> The NeoCov is not a new variant as it was discovered in 2012 and 2015 in Middle Eastern countries and is very similar to SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) in humans. An interesting fact to note is that this strain was first found in bat populations and has been known to spread only among animals, according to a study published in bioRxiv website, which discovered the NeoCoV. A report by the Russian news website Sputnik also said, “Our study demonstrates the first case of ACE2 usage in MERS-related viruses, shedding light on a potential bio-safety threat of the human emergence of an ACE2 using 'MERS-CoV-2' with both high fatality and transmission rate.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Should we worry about the new strain?" comment="subhead" text="Should we worry about the new strain?">Should we worry about the new strain?</cmsannotation> Commenting on the potential risk of the novel strain, experts from Russian State Virology and Biotechnology Research Centre said, in a statement, “The Vector research centre is aware of the data obtained by Chinese researchers on the NeoCoV coronavirus. At the moment, the issue is not the emergence of a new coronavirus capable of actively spreading among humans.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Can the COVID-19 vaccines protect us from this strain?" comment="subhead" text="Can the COVID-19 vaccines protect us from this strain?">Can the COVID-19 vaccines protect us from this strain?</cmsannotation> Studies show that the COVID-19 vaccinations may not be adequate enough to protect the immune system of the people. “Furthermore, our studies have shown that the current COVID-19 vaccinations are inadequate to protect humans from eventuality of the infection caused by this virus,” added the study published by bioRxiv website. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/stealth-omicron-heres-what-we-know-so-far-about-the-new-subtype-of-the-omicron-variant-of-covid-19/articleshow/89156223.cms">Stealth Omicron: Here’s what we know so far about the new subtype of the Omicron variant of COVID-19</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2022-indian-government-can-help-zomato-swiggy-uber-and-ola-can-increase-salary-of-delivery-partners-and-drivers/articleshow/89180404.cms">There’s a way government can prod Zomato, Swiggy, Uber and Ola to increase salaries of delivery partners and drivers</a>

Reports of COVID-19 variant ‘NeoCov’ are spreading – Here’s what we know so far

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Investors are scrambling to work out what the new <keyword id="12616996" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> COVID variant means for the economy and <keyword id="11893875" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="markets" source="Orion">markets</keyword>.</li><li>Global <keyword id="12635003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="investment-banks" source="Orion">investment banks</keyword> have told clients to brace for volatility in stocks, but so far seem cautiously optimistic.</li></ul>Investors around the world are scrambling to work out what the discovery of a new, highly mutated <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/omicron-covid-variant-concern-what-we-know-2021-11">coronavirus variant</a> might mean for the global economy and markets.So far, there's not a huge amount of information on whether the <keyword id="12616995" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="omicron-variant" source="Orion">Omicron variant</keyword> is any more dangerous or transmissible, although <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/safrican-doctor-says-patients-with-omicron-variant-have-very-mild-symptoms-2021-11-28/">reports</a> from southern Africa have said so far many people have only mild symptoms.Omicron caused stocks and oil to plunge Friday, although they <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-news-today-sp500-rebound-omicron-variant-coronavirus-2021-11">both rebounded</a> on Monday.The recovery appears to reflect the noises coming out of the world's top financial institutions, with many analysts sticking to relatively upbeat forecasts for US and <keyword id="12036388" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="global-stocks" source="Orion">global stocks</keyword>, while telling clients to brace for more volatility in the coming weeks.Here's what Wall Street strategists and economists are saying.Markets shouldn't jump to conclusionsMark Haefele, chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management: "We share the markets' concern over the emergence of the new variant and will monitor developments closely. But we advise investors against jumping to conclusions based on small data samples and anecdotal reports with potentially large margins of error."We advise against hasty shifts in investment strategy and recommend staying invested." Christian Keller, head of economics research at Barclays: "Answering [key] questions [about Omicron] may take weeks, which could mean elevated uncertainty for the remainder of the year."One worst-case scenario involves the entire immunization process having to start from scratch, while the most benign outcome would be the discovery that 'Omicron' is neither much more transmissible, nor deadly than earlier variants and that existing vaccines are effective against it."The US economy is relatively resilientDavid Kelly, chief global strategist, <keyword id="12002884" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jpmorgan" source="Orion">JPMorgan</keyword> Funds: "The economy should enter 2022 with a tailwind of strong wage growth, falling unemployment and huge gains in asset prices. "This week's economic reports, and particularly Friday's jobs report, should provide further evidence that the economy is gathering momentum in the fourth quarter."Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/growth-stocks-to-buy-zoom-peloton-microsoft-etsy-wedbush-securities-2021-11">Zoom and Peloton have cratered after starring as stay-at-home faves in 2020. 2 analysts who were cautious explain why the stocks are struggling — and Wedbush's tech-trading head shares 4 competing growth names that look like better bets.</a>Volatility is likely to stick aroundChris Harvey, senior equity analyst at Wells Fargo: "Panic does not disappear overnight. When the market decides to 'shoot first, aim later' (even if the catalyst proves to be ephemeral), the sharp reaction suggests stress levels will take at least 1-2 weeks to decay."Michael Strobaek, global chief investment officer, Credit Suisse: "Market volatility is likely to persist until more facts about the new COVID-19 variant are known. "At this point, we reiterate our assessment from the latest Investment Committee report, i.e. keeping equities at a small overweight in portfolios and government bonds at an underweight."Omicron to boost 'growth' and hurt 'value' stocksLori Calvasina, head of US equity strategy at RBC Capital Markets: "The main risk we see today is that the intermediate-term bout of leadership in Value, Cyclicals, and Small Cap [stocks] we've been waiting for may be on hold."Growth, Secular, and Large Cap have tended to outperform when the rate of change in domestic COVID-19 is worsening."

'Stay invested': Major institutions brace for volatility in stocks but remain upbeat in face of Omicron variant

<ul><li>According to the guidelines, all passengers arriving from the UK will have to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test in the UK as well as in India.</li><li>The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has announced that the RT-PCR test cost for passengers arriving from there will be ₹3,400 per person.</li><li>The passengers will be required to upload a negative RT-PCR test report via self-reporting form on the Air Suvidha portal before the departure.</li></ul>With the resumption of flights from the UK, all passengers arriving into India from the United Kingdom will now be subjected to mandatory self-paid RT-PCR test at the airport, according to the advisory issued by India health ministry. These guidelines will remain in force till January 31. Flight services between the two countries were suspended on December 22 in the wake of a more infectious coronavirus strain found in the UK. Until January 23, the government has allowed only 15 flights per week for airlines of both countries. And flights will only be operating from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports. What do passengers arriving from the UK to India need to do? Here’s all you need to know before planning your journey to India, according to the new international arrival guidelines for UK passengers: <ul><li>All inbound passengers from the UK need to submit self-declaration form on the online portal (<a href="http://www.newdelhiairport.in">www.newdelhiairport.in</a>) at least 72 hours prior to departure. </li><li>Passengers arriving from the UK also must carry a Negative RT-PCR Test Report, conducted within 72 hours prior to the journey. </li><li>Passengers need to upload the copy of negative RT-PCR test report on the online portal (<a href="http://www.newdelhiairport.in">www.newdelhiairport.in</a>). Airlines are tasked with ensuring the availability of negative tests before allowing the passenger on board.</li><li>Upon arrival in India, passengers coming from the UK in all international flights would be subject to compulsory self-paid RT-PCR tests at the Indian airports.</li><li>Passengers will have to declare their travel history of the past 14 days on the Air Suvidha form. DGCA will also strictly monitor that the airlines do not allow any passengers to travel from the UK to India through a transit airport of a third country, to ensure there are no omissions in monitoring of those passengers.</li><li>The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has announced that the RT-PCR test cost for passengers arriving from there will be ₹3,400 per person.</li></ul>What happens if a passenger returning from the UK tests positive on arrival? <ul><li>Passengers who test positive at the airport will be isolated in an institutional isolation facility in an isolation unit coordinated by the State Health Authorities. They would earmark specific facilities for such isolation and treatment and take necessary action to send positive samples for genome sequencing.</li><li>After genome sequencing, if the report is consistent with the current virus genome circulating in the country, the ongoing treatment protocol, including home isolation or treatment, will be followed. </li><li>If the genomic sequencing indicates the presence of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, then the patient will continue to remain in a separate isolation unit.</li></ul>Quarantine rules if the passenger returning from UK tests negative for COVID-19 <ul><li>Those who are found negative on testing with RT-PCR at the airport would be advised quarantine at home for 14 days and regularly followed up by the concerned State and District Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. </li></ul>

Amid new COVID strain, flights between India and the UK resume — compulsory RT-PCR test on arrival, quarantine rules, and other guidelines you need to know

Hyderabad, Dec 30 (IANS) Bharat Biotech said on Tuesday that its vaccine candidate, Covaxin, will be effective in dealing with new strains of coronavirus. Bharat Biotech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella said the protein components of inactive Covaxin will take care of mutations. His comments came amid growing concerns over new strains of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, especially the variant that was detected recently in the UK. Krishna Ella, who was delivering the ninth Dr Manohar V.N. Shirodkar Memorial Lecture organised by the Telangana Academy of Sciences, observed that that any virus is expected to have a lot of mutation. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech is developing Covaxin in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It has completed phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. The phase 3 efficacy trials of Covaxin were in progress with 20,000 volunteers, Ella said. The leading vaccine maker is also developing a single-dose nasal vaccine for Covid-19. In his lecture on "Innovation in Public Health - Our Journey," Ella said there were 40,000 unknown viruses and 10,000 zoonotic viruses and there was a need to focus on neglected and unknown diseases that could become global pandemics in future. "All neglected diseases start from developing countries. Americans and Europeans are scared of us because these neglected diseases can turn into pandemics," he said. --IANS ms/vd

Covaxin can deal with new Covid strains too: Bharat Biotech

The <keyword id="196717" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indonesian-government">Indonesian government</keyword> announced the temporary closure of entrances for <keyword id="105019" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="foreign-nationals">foreign nationals</keyword> from all countries on January 1-14, 2021, due to the emergence of a <keyword id="10470105" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-virus-variant">new virus variant</keyword> that causes Covid-19. The regulation exempts foreign state officials at the level of ministers and above, who are required to apply tight protocols to prevent further Covid-19 transmissions, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told a virtual press conference on Monday following a limited cabinet meeting, Xinhua news agency reported. Foreigners who arrive in Indonesia on Monday (December 28) till December 31 are still allowed to enter the country by showing negative results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests conducted in their countries of origin. The test results shall be valid for 48 hours since their departure, and there will be re-examination of PCR upon their arrival in Indonesia. If proven negative in both the PCR tests, the foreigners are required to do a mandatory quarantine for five days, and after that they must return to undergo PCR tests. If the tests show negative results, the foreigners are allowed to continue their trips, the minister said. Meanwhile, all the Indonesian nationals who want to return from abroad are allowed to enter the country by conducting the same PCR tests. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-screening-for-mutant-covid-19-strain-by-genome-sequencing-uk-returnees-who-test-positive-for-virus/articleshow/79991161.cms">India screening for mutant COVID-19 strain by genome sequencing UK returnees who test positive for virus</a>

Indonesia to close borders till January 14 to stop new Covid strain

Seven people in <keyword id="6354780" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="karnataka" source="Orion">Karnataka</keyword> have been found to be infected with the new 'AY 4.2' <keyword id="10514304" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid-19-variant" source="Orion">Covid-19 variant</keyword>, triggering fear of a possible third wave of the pandemic in the state. The new variant is causing havoc in the UK, Russia and China. As the Covid restrictions have been eased in the state following sharp reduction in fresh cases, authorities are now preparing an action plan to prevent the spread of the new variant. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said he has already discussed about the new Covid strain with the state Health Minister. "I have been instructed to initiate strict measures to contain the virus," he added. Karnataka Education Minister, B.C. Nagesh has said there is no difference between the new variant of <keyword id="8763838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19" source="Orion">Covid-19</keyword> and the older one and that there is no need to panic. The state resumed physical classes for primary school children on Monday. The swab samples which were collected in July by authorities have tested positive for AY 4.2 strain through genomic sequencing. Among the seven cases, three are from Bengaluru and four others belong to different districts of the state. Without taking any chances, the authorities have already started tracking down the infected persons. A team will visit their houses to conduct Covid tests on them and their primary and secondary contacts. The new strain is said to be highly transmissible, but fatal. Experts opined that climate and immunity of the people in Russia, the UK and China as compared to Indians are different. But India with 130 crore population can't allow the infection to spread as it may create disastrous effects and will lead to further mutations of Covid-19. Meanwhile, seven districts in the state have vaccinated 50 per cent of the target population with a second Covid dose. As many as 68 per cent of people have been administered with a second dose in Bengaluru Urban, followed by Ramanagar (54 per cent), Kolar (51 per cent) and Udupi, Kodagu and Chikkaballapur (50 per cent). The experts have said vaccination is the most effective deterrent against the new variants and people who have received only one dose remain vulnerable to the virus. Maintaining social distancing and wearing masks along with vaccination is the need of the hour. If people neglect this, they will be in danger, they added. The Karnataka government has relaxed most of the stringent rules of Covid restrictions and life is back to normalcy in the state. Huge crowds can be seen in malls, theatres and other public places. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/after-raising-2-billion-since-2020-byjus-is-now-looking-to-raise-another-500-million-in-debt-to-acquire-more-businesses/articleshow/87276471.cms">After raising $2 billion since 2020, Byju’s is now looking to raise another $500 million in debt to acquire more businesses</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/zee-cancels-october-27-board-meeting-cites-lack-of-quorum/articleshow/87276518.cms">Zee cancels October 27 board meeting, cites lack of quorum</a>

Karnataka records 7 cases of new AY 4.2 variant of COVID-19

<ul><li>The spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 poses no risk to the <keyword id="6357440" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stock-Market">stock market</keyword>, JPMorgan said in a note. </li><li>Value stocks and bond yields are poised for a rebound as investors reassess risks of the variant.</li><li>"The Delta variant should not have significant repercussions for the pandemic situation in developed <keyword id="31671" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="markets">markets</keyword> due to the level of population immunity," JPMorgan explained. </li><li><a href="https://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/10-things-opening-bell?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestm=ingest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up here for our daily newsletter, 10 Things Before the Opening Bell</a>.</li></ul>The spread of COVID-19's Delta variant does not pose a risk to the stock market, and could in-turn drive a rebound in value stocks and bond yields, <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/jpm-stock">JPMorgan</a> said in a note on Wednesday. The spread of the delta variant has been front of mind for many investors in recent weeks, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-variant-covid-us-dominant-coronavirus-strain-america-2021-6">as data suggests</a> it is now the most common strain of COVID in the US. The fast spreading variant has led to a surge in cases in countries like the UK and Israel, and some governments are responding by reinstituting mask mandates and lockdown initiatives.But "the Delta variant should not have significant repercussions for the pandemic situation in developed markets due to the level of population immunity," JPMorgan said, adding that stock market positioning should not be driven by any variant of COVID-19 for which vaccines are effective.Both <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/pfe-stock">Pfizer</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moderna-covid-19-vaccine-delta-variant-2021-6">Moderna have said that their COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective</a> in preventing infection of the Delta variant. The bank pointed to market action when the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 which was spreading across the country earlier this year as reason for why value stocks and bond yields should see a rebound going forward."When the market properly assessed the risk of B.1.1.7, yields and value staged a strong rally from mid-February to mid-March, while growth stocks (often perceived as beneficiaries of lockdowns) sold off," JPMorgan explained. "We expect this to repeat now as investors assess the so-called Delta variant," the bank added.The current market setup with the Delta variant is similar given that growth stocks have been in favor relative to value stocks amid the spread of the new COVID strain. But if JPMorgan's analysis proves correct, that trade should unwind soon, and growth stocks should once again underperform value stocks."We reiterate our view to go long reflation, cyclical and value trades, and sell growth and defensive positions," JPMorgan concluded.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 does not pose a risk to the stock market and could help boost value and yields, JPMorgan says

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Global stocks are cratering after a new, highly mutated COVID variant was discovered in South Africa.</li><li>Analysts said volatility would be worsened by poor liquidity, with US trading limited by Thanksgiving.</li></ul>Global stocks are <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-markets-today-futures-south-africa-covid-variant-rand-gold-2021-11">being hammered</a> on Friday after a new, heavily mutated COVID variant was identified in South Africa, causing countries to limit travel and sparking fears of another wave of cases.Scientists are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/scientists-track-covid-variant-high-number-mutation-botswana-south-africa-2021-11?utm_medium=ingest&amp;utm_source=markets">racing to find out</a> whether the new variant, called B.1.1.529, is more infectious or deadly than previous strains. South Africa has confirmed around 100 cases, but it's already been found as far away as Hong Kong and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/belgium-records-new-coronavirus-variant-europe-first-case-2021-11">Belgium</a>.Global investors are not liking what they're seeing. The <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/s&amp;p_500">S&amp;P 500</a> was down 1.85% early in the Thanksgiving-shortened trading day. The <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/dow_jones">Dow Jones Industrial Average</a> dropped 1.9%, while the <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/nasdaq_composite">Nasdaq Composite</a> was 0.9% lower.In Europe, the continent-wide <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/stoxx_europe_600">Stoxx 600</a> tumbled 2.83%, after Tokyo's <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/nikkei_225">Nikkei 225</a> dropped 2.53% overnight. <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/oil-price">Oil prices</a> have cratered more than 5% as investors weigh the chances of more lockdowns and travel bans.Commerzbank analysts called it a "black Black Friday." Here's what others are saying as the new variant shakes <keyword id="11893875" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="markets" source="Orion">markets</keyword>.Poor liquidity is driving volatility"US equity futures shot lower from the moment they opened overnight on the new Covid variant news," said Steen Jakobsen, chief investment officer at Saxo Bank."Given poor liquidity today in the US, as many are away from their desks for a long holiday weekend and the market is only for a half session, any significant flows by traders looking to reduce risk could mean significant volatility."Markets are taking no chances"Investors are voting with their feet this morning," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at trading platform Oanda."The one bull in the china shop that could truly derail the global recovery has always been a new strain of <keyword id="11893994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19" source="Orion">Covid-19</keyword> that swept the world and caused the re-imposition of mass social retractions."Markets are taking no chances, equities are falling, haven currencies such as the US <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/us-dollar-index">dollar</a>, Japanese <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/jpy-usd">yen</a> and Swiss <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/chf-usd">franc</a> are rallying... US <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/rates/u-s--rates-10-years">10-year bond</a> yields have moved sharply lower, and oil has slumped."Growth and central banks should provide cushion"With equity markets at all-time highs, thin year-end liquidity and COVID cases up again, a pull-back seems logical," said Emmanuel Cau, head of European equity strategy at Barclays."But we believe resilient growth and patient central banks should continue to provide cushion on a medium-term horizon, while investors have dry powder to buy dips."What is key is to find out whether current vaccines remain effective against the variants, or not. COVID uncertainty might force central banks to err on the side of caution."Travel industry hits violent storm"Fear has gripped the financial markets with the travel industry flying into another violent storm, after the discovery of a new COVID strain which could be far more contagious and may render vaccines less effective," said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at broker Hargreaves Lansdown."There are now fears that the highly mutated COVID strain discovered in states in Southern Africa will prompt fresh shutdowns."The decision by the UK government to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uk-travel-ban-variant-in-african-countries-b11529-11">impose stringent quarantine rules</a> on six southern African countries within hours has severely rattled the travel and tourism industry."Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-bubble-when-will-it-pop-powell-fed-stifel-2021-11">Jay Powell's renomination as Fed chair will keep inflating a stock market bubble that is a systemic risk to the economy, Stifel's top strategist warns. He shows why stocks haven't been this overextended since 1929 or 1999 — and shares when he thinks the bubble will pop.</a>

'A black Black Friday': Here's what analysts are saying as global stocks plunge on fears about new COVID variant

<ul class="summary-list"><li>About a third of US investors are worried about volatility risks to their retirement portfolios, according to Allianz Life. </li><li>That rate is the lowest since 2019 as Americans see the <keyword id="34412" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="economy">economy</keyword> pushing through the pandemic. </li><li>But 50% of respondents with retirement plans are concerned about a new <keyword id="8764262" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid">COVID</keyword> strain. </li></ul>A little more than a third of US <keyword id="6357440" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Stock-Market">stock market</keyword> investors have expressed worry about the impact of market volatility on their retirement portfolios, according to insurer Allianz Life, the lowest since 2019 as investors largely see the end of the coronavirus health crisis. 33% of respondents say they are worried about risks stemming from market volatility, according to the second quarter Market Perceptions Study released by Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America on Wednesday. That is the lowest percentage since 2019 and a drop from 42% in the same period in 2020 when the COVID-19 outbreak was ramping up. "With some of the immediate financial impacts of COVID-19 receding in the rearview mirror, Americans are feeling better about market conditions than they have in over a year," said Kelly LaVigne, vice president of consumer insights at Allianz Life, in a statement. There's been a decline to 48% of Americans who say they're concerned about a major recession, down from 65% this time last year, the firm said. Volatility in the stock market has pulled back since the peak of the pandemic, aided by a broad recovery in the economy. The stock market's so-called fear gauge - <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/vix">the Cboe Volatility Index</a> - has tumbled this year, trading just above around 19, well below pandemic levels. At the same time, US stocks as tracked by the broad <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/s&amp;p_500_500">S&amp;P 500 index</a> have climbed to record highs, boosted by a rebound in energy and financial stocks. The more sanguine view of market risks among investors comes as businesses across the country have been restarting operations in the wake of the government's rollout of coronavirus vaccinations. Roughly 158 million Americans, or 48%, <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">are fully vaccinated</a>, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consumer activity, employment and movement such as flights have been grinding higher, economists at Jefferies said in late June update, although they noted a cap in housing and industrial activity. Allianz said 63% of survey respondents say they are less worried about the impact of the pandemic on their finances compared with a year ago."But many still haven't forgotten the drastic impacts of the pandemic, with 50% saying they are still worried about another pandemic or a new strain of COVID and its impact on their portfolios," said LaVigne. This week, the CDC said Delta is now the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions">dominant variant of COVID-19 in the US</a>, accounting for 51.7% of new infections. The highly contagious strain has been quickly spreading worldwide since its first detection in India in December. "As the economy and stock market continue to improve coming out of the pandemic, people are wisely taking lessons learned and applying them to their go-forward financial strategies," LaVigne said. The quarterly online survey from Allianz Life was conducted in May with a nationally representative sample of 1,005 respondents who are at least 18 years old.

Concern over stock-market volatility among investors has dropped to its lowest in 2 years, Allianz Life says

<ul><li>Indian civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that India might extend the temporary suspension of flights from the UK amid concerns over the new mutant strain of COVID-19.</li><li>Indian suspended all flights from the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-suspends-all-flights-from-uk-until-december-31-as-a-new-covid-19-strain-emerges/articleshow/79838835.cms"> United Kingdom on December 21 a</a>fter reports termed the new strain of COVID-19 as a “super spreader”. The current suspension is in effect till December 31. </li><li>This comes after samples of six UK returnees in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune tested positive with the new variant genome.</li></ul>India does not rule out an extension on the temporary suspension of flights from the UK amid concerns over the new mutant strain of COVID-19. Indian civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that they are assessing the situation currently and that an appropriate decision will be taken on this issue in due course. “We are applying our minds to (on the issue of) temporary suspension of UK flights as today is December 31. A decision will be taken shortly. But I personally foresee a short extension on this temporary suspension. I don’t see the extension to be long or indefinite,” he said. “We went back to November 25 and did contact tracing, and genome sequencing of passengers who had directly or indirectly come from the UK since that date. So far seven people who came from the UK have been reported to have been detected with the new COVID strain,” Puri added. <div type="Youtube" id="KAErJhhBU9Y" title="Union Minister Hardeep S Puri addresses media in Annual Press Conference on civil aviation issues" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KAErJhhBU9Y/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Indian suspended all flights from the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-suspends-all-flights-from-uk-until-december-31-as-a-new-covid-19-strain-emerges/articleshow/79838835.cms"> United Kingdom on December 21 a</a>fter reports surfaced that the country has seen a new strain of COVID-19, which has been termed as a “super spreader”. The current suspension is in effect till December 31. Within a day, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy had all suspended flights from the UK. They were followed by France, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Irish Republic, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Switzerland and Canada, who have now all suspended their flights from the UK. This comes after at least 7 samples of UK returnees in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune tested positive with the new variant genome. The government said that they had been kept the returnees <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/new-mutant-strain-of-covid-19-has-entered-india-via-six-uk-returnees/articleshow/80003674.cms">in a single-room-isolation in designated healthcare facilities</a>. “All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated Healthcare facilities by the respective state governments. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine,” the Indian health ministry said. It is important to note that the new UK Variant's presence has already been reported by Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore. The Aviation Minister Puri added that no decision on flight bans to these countries had been taken yet, but the government is monitoring the situation. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/house-passes-bill-to-increase-600-stimulus-checks-to-2000/articleshow/80001571.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">House passes bill to increase $600 stimulus checks to $2,000. It now goes to the Senate.</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/most-vaccine-skeptics-are-persuadable-and-will-get-the-covid-19-shot-says-a-nobel-prize-winner-who-studies-vaccine-hesitancy/articleshow/79995460.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Most vaccine skeptics are persuadable and will get the COVID-19 shot, says a Nobel prize-winner who studies vaccine hesitancy</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bitcoin-mining-stocks-surge-after-the-cryptocurrency-passes-28000-for-the-first-time/articleshow/79996286.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bitcoin-mining stocks surge after the cryptocurrency passes $28,000 for the first time</a>

You Searched For "new covid strain" and got 10 results

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