Second form hide

LONDON: Europe's stock markets clawed back some ground on Tuesday, a day after rising second waves of the coronavirus epidemic caused the region's biggest wipeout since June and drove investors back to government bonds. Conditions were still choppy with South Korea and China pulling Asia down for a second day and tech-heavy Nasdaq now out of its recent stellar range, so it was a relief for traders to see Europe and U.S. futures stabilise. The pan-European STOXX 600 index made back 0.5per cent of the 3.2per cent it lost on Monday, helped by respective 1per cent and 1.3per cent gains for the tech and car sectors that offset bumpier rides elsewhere. Travel and leisure stocks saw 0.3per cent falls to add to Monday's 5.2per cent plunge and S&P futures were also a touch weaker. As investors stayed close to safety, yields on Germany's government bonds held near six-week lows and the dollar inched up. "The market may be taking a breather but I would be surprised if that was it," … [Read more...] about Europe breathes easier after second wave wipeouts

Seville: Barcelona forwards Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi fired the Catalans to a confidence-boosting 2-0 win at in-form Sevilla on Saturday to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. Dembele latched on to a through ball from Messi and knocked it through the legs of Sevilla keeper Bono to give Barca a deserved lead in the 29th minute after dominating the first half and barely giving their hosts a hint of a chance. HIGHLIGHTS | Messi and @Dembouz strike as @FCBarcelona move to within two points of top spot! #SevillaFCBarça pic.twitter.com/nxLB7VQjfy — LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 27, 2021 Sevilla improved after the break but Barca continued to have the edge and found a second goal five minutes from time when Messi played a one-two with teenage midfielder Ilaix Moriba and netted with a scrappy finish after his first effort was saved. The result ended a six-game winning streak in the league for Sevilla, who remained fourth in … [Read more...] about Ousmane Dembele, Lionel Messi fire as Barcelona sink Sevilla to keep title chase alive

SINGAPORE: The spread of the coronavirus has had a tremendous impact on the travel industry. With a vast majority of flights grounded to stop the international spread of the virus, major airports like Singapore and Dubai have seen passenger volumes plummet . Airports continue to incur fixed costs for maintaining the infrastructure. Their burden is even greater because partners such as retail outlets and airlines have been given breaks in terms of rentals and reduced parking and other fees, respectively. Though governments might share the costs burden of airports in the short term, it remains to be seen how long they will stomach such a responsibility. A BLACK SWAN EVENT THAT HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE Admittedly, the current crisis was a black swan type of event that could not have been anticipated. It was barely a few months ago in December 2019 that the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) had predicted profits of US$29.3 billion for airlines in 2020. … [Read more...] about Commentary: Airlines have it bad with COVID-19 but airports have it worse

Windows were blown out and homes damaged after a Second World War bomb was detonated in Exeter, police said. The controlled explosion took place at 6.10pm on Saturday after the 1,000kg "Hermann" bomb was discovered on a building site in Glenthorne Road on Friday. Police evacuated people from 2,600 homes, including 1,400 students at the nearby University of Exeter, over the weekend, but "structural damage has been caused to some buildings", Devon and Cornwall Police said on Sunday. UPDATE: WW2 bomb detonation, #Exeter - Safety assessment work is being conducted today. Residents should not return home until further notice. The council's helpline will re-open at 9am for residents needing accommodation advice and support: 0345 155 1015 https://t.co/OEPYTuoGZJ pic.twitter.com/bQyDeGFnbb — Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) February 28, 2021 Despite a 400m cordon around the site, the force said: "Extensive work to mitigate the impact of the blast, … [Read more...] about Windows blown out and buildings cracked after WW2 bomb detonated in Exeter

REUTERS: Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is undergoing a medical at Chelsea ahead of his transfer from French club Rennes, the London club's manager Frank Lampard said. Chelsea's decision to boost their goalkeeping options follows a dip in form since the start of last season for first-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was at fault in Liverpool's second goal on Sunday. Lampard said on Tuesday the arrival of Mendy, who played 33 games in all competitions for Rennes last campaign, helping them finish third in Ligue 1 and qualify for the Champions League, will boost competition for the number one choice at Chelsea. "With Mendy coming in, it's more competition so every reaction will have to be positive around that for Kepa and for Mendy to push to try and play in this team," he said. Mendy is expected to undergo a COVID-19 test before he can join the first-team squad. "He (Mendy) is having a medical as we speak," Lampard said … [Read more...] about Lampard confirms Rennes goalkeeper Mendy undergoing medical at Chelsea