Above the Fold

Omicron Continues to Spook Markets

Several preliminary studies of new, quickly spreading Omicron all agree that the variant is able to grow exponentially faster than the globally dominant Delta strain, but is far less deadly. In fact, a recent study by Hong Kong University, headed by renowned virologist Michael Chan, found that Omicron is 10 times less efficient than its predecessors at infecting the lungs, which is where many of the most serious conditions tend to occur. Studies also show that booster shots from all current approved vaccine makers offer significant protection from infection. Moderna recently noted that its booster jab can “boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels.” Without a booster, the company did note that its standard vaccine may be far less effective. 

Regardless of the fact that data points to a less-severe wave of infection, some countries around the world are imposing restrictions once again just as the holiday season begins. And although serious illness and death rates are dropping, cases in general, are rising, prompting many investors to scuttle away from riskier assets and some industrial vehicles like oil. Social restrictions and shutdowns could slow economic activity and travel, while the togetherness of the holiday season is likely to spike positive cases going into the new year. 

Three Things 

1. Oracle to Strike Its Biggest Deal Ever – The legacy tech giant has been struggling to improve the growth of its cloud infrastructure business. In an apparent move to dramatically boost revenues, Oracle will pay $30 billion in cash for electronic-medical-records company Cerner Corp. The deal values Cerner at $95 per share and would make it the largest acquisition for Oracle, which recently relocated its headquarters to Austin, Texas. This acquisition will thrust the new company deep into the very-lucrative, fast-growing health care vertical.
2. China Could Use LOGINK to Exploit Global Shipping, Security – According to the Wall Street Journal, China may use its cargo-data system, LOGINK, to gain an unfair advantage over global shipping logistics (which are still arcane and fragmented for the most part). This network, billed as a means of improving international commerce, links international shippers by parsing multi-source data from more than 450,000 users. It also allows China to see and track all sorts of shipments, including U.S. military equipment (which is often sent commercially) and other highly sensitive items. 
3. Coming Soon: TikTok Kitchens – Realizing yet another profit opportunity from the widely popular software, Virtual Dining Solutions (VDC) will partner with TikTok to launch TikTok Kitchens, a delivery-only service that will prepare some of the best-trending recipes offered on the platform. The partnership will reportedly open 300 locations initially, but expects to scale to roughly 1,000 by the end of 2022. The ghost-kitchens will operate out of existing VDC restaurants like Bertucci’s and Buca di Beppo. 

Did You Know? 

The Holiday Season Has Certainly Gotten Pricier Over the Years

We all know how easy it is to shop in 2021. With the simple tap of a finger, you could (theoretically) have virtually anything delivered to your front door within a day’s time. Technology and a strong economy have both played a role in the amount spent during the holiday season. A model created by the National Retail Federation estimates that the average American will drop roughly $1,000 in holiday-related items in November and December. Considering the average take-home pay is around $40,000, that’s a big chunk. It’s also five times more than the $200 spent (2021 dollars) per person in 1940.