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UK turns to COVID “Plan B” rules to contain Omicron
Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the government will adopt new COVID rules, turning to “Plan B” to manage the new Omicron strain of the virus
Under the new Plan B rules, people in England are being asked to work from home again if possible and face masks will be compulsory in most public places, as part of new rules to limit the spread of Omicron.
The Prime Minister also announced that vaccine passports will also be needed to get into nightclubs and large venues from next week.
Boris Johnson announced the government was moving to its back-up plan of extra Covid rules at a news conference.
“It’s not a lockdown, it’s Plan B,”
Johnson says that moving to the tougher measures was the “proportionate and responsible” thing to do, but insisted it would not become a lockdown.
The PM stated that much more is still being learned about new variant Omicron, including from the World Health Organization and the picture surrounding the variant might get better, but that it “could lead to a big rise in hospitalisations and therefore sadly in deaths”.
Under the new rules, face masks will be required in more public settings – including theatres and cinemas – from Friday, and from Monday, people will be asked to work from home where possible.
The NHS Covid Pass will also be required for visitors to nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any event with more than 10,000 people from next Wednesday.
Will Christmas be cancelled?
But Mr Johnson said Christmas parties and nativity plays should still go ahead – as long as the guidance is followed.
Many of the questions the PM faced centred on the row over the Downing Street Christmas party at the height of lockdown rules last December.
Government adviser Allegra Stratton – who was seen with other No 10 staff joking about the party in a leaked video from last year – resigned just before the news conference, saying she would always regret her remarks.
Earlier Mr Johnson apologised in the Commons for this video, although he said that he had been repeatedly told there had been no party. The Metropolitan Police has now said they will not investigate the issue, due to lack of evidence.
According to British media, when Johnson was questioned at the news conference regarding if the Plan B announcement was timed to divert attention from the Christmas party, the prime minister denied that was the case. Instead, the PM went on saying the government did not want to delay bringing in the rules which were important to protect public health.
News
AI stocks surge amid market shifts and spending warnings
AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.
AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.
The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a major driver of growth for both the U.S. and global economies. Companies at the forefront of AI innovation are influencing market trends and reshaping industries worldwide.
Meta’s stock has rebounded slightly following reports of potential cost-cutting measures and job reductions in its Reality Labs division. Investors are watching closely as the company adjusts its strategy to manage rising expenses and optimize innovation.
Palantir is trading at over 120 times forward sales and 180 times forward earnings, signaling investor confidence but also raising questions about valuation risks. Meanwhile, Nvidia maintains a market cap of $4.2 trillion as a leading AI chip supplier, yet competition is ramping up.
These moves highlight the growing tension between tech giants’ AI ambitions and the practical need to balance profits with heavy R&D spending.
Some analysts, however, warn that rapid growth may not be sustainable, with current levels of AI-related spending potentially overshooting realistic returns.
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#AIStocks #TechInvesting #Nvidia #Meta #Palantir #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #TickerNews
News
AI investments set to surge in 2026 as companies target productivity gains
Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.
Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.
Analysts predict that artificial intelligence companies could invest over $500 billion in 2026, signaling a major shift in corporate spending priorities. This surge in capital allocation comes as businesses look to harness AI to drive growth and efficiency across multiple sectors.
Following strong third-quarter earnings, overall capital spending estimates for 2026 have been revised upward. However, investors are becoming more selective, focusing on companies that can clearly demonstrate revenue benefits from their AI investments, separating hype from tangible results.
AI adoption is expected to boost economic productivity, with significant investment already flowing into AI infrastructure such as semiconductors and data centres. The coming year could redefine how companies leverage technology to gain a competitive edge.
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Stocks, AI and the economy: What to expect in 2026
2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!
2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!
2025 has been a rollercoaster for investors, with AI hype, tariffs, and global politics shaking up markets. We break down what these trends mean for your portfolio and the risks ahead.
Joining us for insights is Kyle Rodda from Capital.com, who explains how Treasury yields, unemployment data, and inflation readings are shaping investor sentiment. We also dive into what the Federal Reserve’s recent moves could mean for 2026.
From the potential impact of a 43-day government shutdown to payroll numbers and market expectations, this episode gives you the clarity you need to navigate the next year in stocks.
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