Markets
Britain signs free trade deal with Singapore
The UK has signed a free trade deal with Singapore covering trade worth 17.6 billion pounds (USD 23.4 billion, ) the latest in a series of trade pacts that Britain is seeking to secure around the world post-Brexit. Britain and the European Union are running out of time to reach an agreement on a future trading relationship before the end of a post-Brexit transition period at the end of the year. [Full Article...]
European Central Bank set to boost QE purchases and extend duration of stimulus
It is the third stimulus since the Frankfurt-based institution launched its pandemic programme last March. This will be achieved with newly-printed money; it aims to drive down longer-term borrowing costs and help keep credit affordable and plentiful for consumers, businesses and governments. [Full Article...]
QuantumScape EV Batteries Can Be Charged Super Fast. Why That Matters
In safety terms, the company says its ceramic-based separator is non-combustible and keeps the anode and cathode safely isolated at temperatures much higher than today's lithium-ion cells can handle. The solid-state separator is another key advance, using solid ceramic material that strongly resists the formation of dendrites - a common problem that can cause batteries to short out and sometimes... [Full Article...]
Honda halts production at Swindon due to parts delays
The Swindon plant relies on the "just-in-time" delivery system, pioneered by Japanese rival Toyota and now a global standard in the automotive sector in particular, in which parts arrive as they are required. Freight forwarder Westbound Shipping Services said: "While all the main United Kingdom container ports have been working through major delays, Felixstowe has been particularly challenging, co... [Full Article...]
Genting's 'cruises to nowhere' to go ahead as planned
His original sample has since been re-tested at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), and has come back negative for COVID-19 infection. After a passenger tested positive onboard for Covid-19, Royal Caribbean ended the current cruise a day early and canceled the following sailing that was scheduled to depart on December 10. [Full Article...]
Uber to sell self-driving unit to Aurora_china
Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, will serve on Aurora's board, and the ride-hailer will transfer its 1,200 employee AV division to the start-up, which now has 600 staff. It's believed to be the first known fatality by a self-driving vehicle. Commenting on this novel initiative, Chris Urmson, the CEO of Aurora Innovation reportedly cited that the deal is touted to work well for both the compani... [Full Article...]
Pope Francis to visit Iraq in March, Vatican says
The Vatican noted that the visit to Iraq will "take into consideration the evolution of the worldwide health emergency". Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis will make the March 5-8 visit, with stops in Baghdad, the cities of Irbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh, and the 'plains of Ur, linked to the memory of Abraham, ' the biblical patriarch who is revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims. [Full Article...]
US October job openings blip up to 6.7 million but hiring slows
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories . "October job openings are likely to disappear in a hurry relatively speaking by the end of the year with new strict stay-at-home orders issued in California this month, which is the most populous state in the country". [Full Article...]