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(Bloomberg) -- The University of California, Berkeley, lifted a shelter-in-place order following a threat that led to canceled classes and a lockdown of buildings Thursday. The shutdown comes as two other Bay Area universities are hosting prominent guests Thursday: Vice President Kamala Harris was scheduled to visit the University of California, San Francisco, while former President Barack Obama appeared at Stanford University to speak about disinformation. [Extracted from the article]

Tangshan, a major steelmaking city in China, has implemented partial lockdowns and mass testing in response to a recent increase in Covid-19 cases. This comes just over a week after the city lifted city-wide restrictions. Tangshan is responsible for about 13% of China's steel output, and previous lockdowns have disrupted production. The return to lockdown raises concerns about steel output and highlights the challenges China faces in controlling the spread of the Omicron variant. These measures have also had negative impacts on factories, supply chains, and the economy. [Extracted from the article]

Oil prices remained stable as the ongoing coronavirus lockdowns in China are impacting the economy, counteracting the positive news of protests in Libya disrupting oil supplies. China reported a significant decline in consumer spending and a high unemployment rate, while Shanghai reported its first deaths from a current virus outbreak. Additionally, Libya is facing further interruptions in oil deliveries due to protests against the government, with the country's largest oil field, Sharara, being shut down. The oil market has experienced a rally this year due to the war in Ukraine and traders avoiding Russian crude. The US and its allies have released millions of barrels from strategic reserves to address inflationary pressures, while OPEC and its partners have not increased their output restoration pace. There is concern that if more countries ban Russian energy flows, oil prices may significantly exceed historic highs. The market is uncertain about the impact of Russian oil being removed from the market. In a recent phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed a positive assessment of their efforts to stabilize the oil market, indicating that there will likely be no change in production policy. Crude markets are currently in a bullish pattern known as backwardation, with near-term prices higher than longer-dated ones. The surge in oil prices this year is part of a broader increase in energy commodities, even as the global economic growth outlook weakens. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Bloomberg Economics covers a range of topics related to the global economy. It highlights concerns about inflation and the potential for a recession as central banks raise interest rates. The article also discusses the impact of Covid lockdowns on China's economy, as well as the rising threat of defaults in emerging markets. Other topics include the nomination of Michael Barr as the Fed's chief banking supervisor, the underfunding of the IRS leading to audits of low-income households, the failure of President Lopez Obrador's attempt to regain control of Mexico's electricity sector, and Canada's efforts to address skyrocketing housing prices. [Extracted from the article]

Oil prices remained relatively stable as the impact of ongoing coronavirus lockdowns in China offset the bullish news of protests disrupting oil supplies in Libya. China reported a significant decline in consumer spending and an increase in unemployment, while also experiencing deaths from a current outbreak of the virus. Meanwhile, Libya faced further interruptions to oil deliveries due to protests against the government. The oil market has been influenced by various factors this year, including the war in Ukraine and concerns over Russian crude. The article also mentions the positive assessment of efforts to stabilize the oil market by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. [Extracted from the article]

China's virus lockdowns are continuing to impact metals supply chains and dampen demand, despite some signs of improvement in Shanghai. The lockdown measures are now spreading to other parts of the country, including the cities of Suzhou and Zhengzhou. This has resulted in factory closures and transport bottlenecks, leading to decreased sales for a copper fabricator in Henan and the temporary halt of production at Yunnan Tin Co. The lockdowns have also affected component deliveries, with some air-conditioner producers unable to operate. While metals prices in China have been mixed, the first-quarter growth figures do not fully capture the extent of the lockdowns. [Extracted from the article]

China's housing market experienced a significant slowdown in March, with new-home sales dropping by 29% compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to the latest Covid-19 outbreak in the country, which has led to lockdowns in various cities, deterring potential buyers. The slump in home sales has further exacerbated the challenges faced by the property sector, including a cash crunch among developers, disrupted construction, and debt defaults. Despite the housing slowdown, China's economy showed signs of growth in the first quarter, although weak consumption remains a concern. Efforts by local authorities to loosen restrictions on home buying may help alleviate the decline in property transactions, but weak homebuyer confidence and the ongoing impact of Covid-19 pose additional challenges. [Extracted from the article]

China's virus lockdowns are continuing to impact metals supply chains and dampen demand, despite some signs of improvement in Shanghai. The lockdown measures are now spreading to other parts of the country, including the cities of Suzhou and Zhengzhou. This has resulted in factory closures and transport bottlenecks, leading to decreased sales for a copper fabricator in Henan and the temporary halt of production at Yunnan Tin Co. The situation has caused problems for customers across China, with some unable to operate due to a lack of component deliveries. While metals prices in China were mainly lower, copper saw a slight increase. [Extracted from the article]

Lockdowns and restrictions in China's manufacturing hubs, such as Shenzhen and Dongguan, due to a spreading Covid-19 outbreak, may cause delays in orders placed with global e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Walmart. The production and delivery of goods sold on major online marketplaces are being disrupted, as factories are closing and logistics firms and warehouses are operating at reduced capacity. Chinese sellers have become prominent on global shopping platforms, and the cross-border e-commerce industry in China has experienced significant growth. Amazon and Walmart are working to mitigate disruptions, but the situation remains challenging. [Extracted from the article]

Oil prices dropped below $95 a barrel due to renewed hopes of an Iran nuclear deal and concerns over Covid lockdowns in China. The recent fluctuations in oil prices have caused volatility in the market, with prices falling over $9 in a week. The Russian Foreign Minister's statement that sanctions on Russia won't affect the Iranian nuclear deal has sparked optimism for its revival. However, the resurgence of Covid-19 cases in China poses risks to global oil demand. The market is also experiencing a liquidity crunch, leading to increased price volatility. While there are concerns about disruptions to Russian oil flows, OPEC has stated that there is no shortage. The war in Ukraine has contributed to inflation and may lead to product rationing in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

Oil prices dropped below $95 a barrel due to renewed hopes of an Iran nuclear deal and concerns about Covid lockdowns in China affecting demand. The potential revival of the Iranian nuclear agreement following comments from the Russian Foreign Minister sparked optimism. However, the resurgence of Covid-19 cases in China, the world's largest crude importer, poses risks to global demand. The market is also experiencing a liquidity crunch, leading to increased price volatility. Additionally, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused inflation and potential product rationing in countries like the UK. [Extracted from the article]

China is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 infections, prompting cities across the country to implement lockdowns and additional restrictions. Hong Kong has decided to close its beaches in response to the outbreak. Symptomatic cases have been reported in 28 out of China's 31 provinces, and millions of people are under stay-at-home orders. Meanwhile, South Korea is considering easing social distancing measures, Taiwan has reported zero new cases, and Vietnam has clarified guidelines for Covid patients. The article also mentions the impact of the lockdowns on various industries, such as e-commerce and trucking. [Extracted from the article]

China is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, with infections increasing significantly. The government has implemented lockdowns in several provinces and cities, including Langfang, Shenzhen, and Jilin. These measures have restricted the movement of over 45 million people. In addition, international flights are being diverted from Shanghai, and there are delays in the trucking sector due to more stringent testing requirements for drivers. Hong Kong has also been heavily impacted, with nearly half of its population already infected. South Korea is considering relaxing social distancing rules, while Vietnam has clarified guidelines for Covid patients to stay at home. The article also mentions the impact of the lockdowns on businesses, such as Apple suppliers and car manufacturers. Overall, China's Covid Zero strategy is being challenged by the current outbreak. [Extracted from the article]

China is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, with the highest number of infections since the early days of the pandemic. The government has implemented lockdowns in several provinces, including Langfang, Shenzhen, and Jilin. International flights are being diverted from Shanghai, and trucking operations are being delayed due to stricter testing requirements for drivers. In Hong Kong, nearly half of the population has already been infected with Covid-19. South Korea is considering relaxing social distancing rules, and Vietnam has clarified guidelines for Covid patients to stay at home. The Philippines believes its economy can withstand global headwinds, and Japan plans to end Covid-19 measures in Tokyo and other prefectures. The UK is set to lift all remaining pandemic-related restrictions on international travel. [Extracted from the article]

Lockdowns in China aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 are impacting various businesses, with millions of people restricted from leaving their homes. Apple supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry and other companies have halted production in Shenzhen, a major technology hub. Toyota and Volkswagen have suspended operations at their factories in Changchun, while Jilin province has been locked down entirely. These lockdowns are expected to disrupt supply chains and could have flow-on effects for the global economy. China's focus on a Covid Zero strategy may make it difficult for the country to achieve its economic growth targets for 2022. [Extracted from the article]

Lockdowns in China aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 are impacting various businesses, with over 40 million people under restrictions. Apple supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry and Unimicron Technology have halted production in Shenzhen, while BYD is experiencing some production impact. Toyota and Volkswagen have suspended operations at their factories in Changchun, and Jilin province has been locked down. These lockdowns are expected to disrupt supply chains and have already caused a decline in Apple and its suppliers' shares. China's Covid Zero strategy is being challenged by the omicron variant, and the focus on containment measures may hinder economic growth. [Extracted from the article]

China is experiencing a significant increase in Covid-19 cases, with the highest number of new infections since the early days of the pandemic. The outbreak has spread to 28 out of 31 provinces, leading to lockdowns in several cities, including Langfang, Shenzhen, and Jilin. These restrictions are impacting supply chains, affecting the production of Apple iPhones, cars for Toyota and Volkswagen, and other businesses. Meanwhile, South Korea is considering easing social distancing measures, and Vietnam has clarified guidelines for Covid patients isolating at home. [Extracted from the article]

Lockdowns in China aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 are impacting various businesses, with millions of people restricted from leaving their homes. Apple supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry and other companies have halted production in Shenzhen, a major technology hub. Toyota and Volkswagen have suspended operations at their factories in Changchun, while Jilin province has been locked down entirely. These lockdowns are expected to disrupt supply chains and could have flow-on effects for other economies. China's focus on maintaining a Covid Zero strategy may make it harder for the country to achieve its economic growth targets for 2022. [Extracted from the article]

Lockdowns in China aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 are impacting the operations of various businesses, with over 40 million people under restrictions. Apple supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry and Unimicron Technology have halted production in Shenzhen, while car manufacturers Toyota and Volkswagen have suspended operations in Changchun. These lockdowns are expected to disrupt supply chains and exacerbate existing material shortages and shipping delays. China's Covid Zero strategy is being challenged by the more transmissible Omicron variant, leading to a surge in cases and potential economic impacts. [Extracted from the article]

The Philippines is implementing smaller and targeted lockdowns and offering incentives for vaccinated individuals in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Metro Manila, which contributes significantly to the country's economy, will test this new strategy starting September 16. The capital region will be placed under the second-most stringent alert level due to increasing case counts and high hospital utilization rates. The government aims to focus on active case finding, risk-based testing, and accelerated vaccination among high-risk groups. The previous wide-scale lockdowns have negatively impacted the economy, leading to a downward revision of growth projections. The new strategy includes specific guidelines for different alert levels, such as capacity limits for indoor restaurants and beauty salons, shortened curfew hours, and granular lockdowns in areas with high infection rates. [Extracted from the article]

Face covering requirements in pubs could last beyond 21 June, it has been suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next in our series of reflections on 2020 in the on-trade, award-winning chef and pub operator Nicholas Hack looks back on a 'yoyo' of tiers and lockdowns and building his business on 12 months of shifting sands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) survey suggests that more than half of operators expect to close pubs that re-opened after England's second national lockdown if trade doesn't improve in the coming weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pubs and bars saw a drop of 56.7% in spend for November compared to last year due to the second national lockdown restrictions, new data found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The director of a pub company with 18 sites shut under the tier system has said he is "deeply concerned" by the lack of Government support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pubs will be operating under the new tier restrictions as the month-long national lockdown eases today (Wednesday 2 December). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confidence in the sector about reopening in December was split in the latest edition of a trade survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pubs have been warned not to break coronavirus rules after one site was slapped with a £10,000 fine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]