According to the BDI industry association Europe’s largest economy, Germany is expected to grow 3.5% this year after plunging roughly 5% in 2020

World Business Watch: German GDP expected to grow by 3.5% in 2021

British airline EasyJet has secured a new five-year loan facility of $1.87 billion, it is backed by a partial guarantee from the UK.

World Business Watch: EasyJet secures new five-year $1.87 billion loan with UK guarantee

According to reports, Cyber-attacks have cost Russian companies and citizens up to 3.6 trillion roubles ($49 billion) this year.

World Business Watch: Cyber crime costs Russia $49 BN in 2020

With an idea to give EU firms better access to the Chinese market, China and the European Union are likely to clinch a new investment deal this week.

Reports: EU and China likely to clinch new investment deal this week

Japanese business sentiment improved at the fastest pace in nearly two decades in October-December, a key central bank survey showed, a welcome sign for the economy as it emerges from the initial hit of the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan business sentiment improves for second straight quarter

British pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca, which is finalising a vaccine against Covid-19, said Saturday it was buying US biotech firm Alexion for $39 billion to boost its work on immunology.&nbsp;

"Alexion has established itself as a leader in complement biology, bringing life-changing benefits to patients with rare diseases," AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot said in a statement, announcing the year's biggest deal in the pharma sector.

"We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Alexion so that we can together build on our combined expertise in immunology and precision medicines to drive innovation that delivers life-changing medicines for more patients," he said.

Both boards have agreed to the cash-and-stock deal, which values Alexion at $175 a share, a premium of 45 percent to the Boston-based company's closing price on Friday.

Since taking the helm at AstraZeneca in 2012, Soriot has pushed the group into lucrative treatments such as cancer therapies, and the Alexion takeover will give it more heft in areas such as treating blood disorders.

Along with researchers from the University of Oxford, AstraZeneca has developed an effective Covid-19 vaccine which the UK government plans to use as the lynchpin of its inoculation drive, after first rolling out another vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech.

But approval of the AstraZeneca/Oxford drug has been held up after queries over its initial trial results.&nbsp; 
On Tuesday, the UK partners became the first Covid-19 vaccine makers to publish final-stage clinical trial data in a scientific journal, clearing a key hurdle.

The new acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, and Alexion shareholders will own 15 percent of the combined company.

"This transaction marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Alexion," Alexion chief executive Ludwig Hantson said.

"We bring to AstraZeneca a strong portfolio, innovative rare disease pipeline, a talented global workforce and strong manufacturing capabilities in biologics," he said.

British pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca, which is finalising a vaccine against Covid-19, said Saturday it was buying US biotech firm Alexion for $39 billion to boost its work on immunology.

British pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca, which is finalising a vaccine against Covid-19, said Saturday it was buying US biotech firm Alexion for $39 billion to boost its work on immunology. "Alexion has established itself as a leader in complement biology, bringing life-changing benefits to patients with rare diseases," AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot said in a statement, announcing the year's biggest deal in the pharma sector. "We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Alexion so that we can together build on our combined expertise in immunology and precision medicines to drive innovation that delivers life-changing medicines for more patients," he said. Both boards have agreed to the cash-and-stock deal, which values Alexion at $175 a share, a premium of 45 percent to the Boston-based company's closing price on Friday. Since taking the helm at AstraZeneca in 2012, Soriot has pushed the group into lucrative treatments such as cancer therapies, and the Alexion takeover will give it more heft in areas such as treating blood disorders. Along with researchers from the University of Oxford, AstraZeneca has developed an effective Covid-19 vaccine which the UK government plans to use as the lynchpin of its inoculation drive, after first rolling out another vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech. But approval of the AstraZeneca/Oxford drug has been held up after queries over its initial trial results. On Tuesday, the UK partners became the first Covid-19 vaccine makers to publish final-stage clinical trial data in a scientific journal, clearing a key hurdle. The new acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, and Alexion shareholders will own 15 percent of the combined company. "This transaction marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Alexion," Alexion chief executive Ludwig Hantson said. "We bring to AstraZeneca a strong portfolio, innovative rare disease pipeline, a talented global workforce and strong manufacturing capabilities in biologics," he said.

AstraZeneca to buy US biotech firm Alexion for USD 39 billion 

Asian shares rose to a record high and US stock futures gained on Wednesday as investors tracked positive news on COVID-19 vaccines and ongoing efforts to launch more fiscal stimulus.

World Business Watch: Asia shares hit record high on vaccine progress

Cash-strapped Cuba said it had attracted $1.9billion worth of foreign investment over the past year despite tighter United States sanctions.

World Business Watch: Cuba attracts $1.9 billion in FDI despite US sanctions

Australian consumer sentiment climbed for the fourth straight month in December to a 10-year high as the country further relaxed virus restrictions and states opened their borders to each other.

World Business Watch: Australia consumer sentiment hits 10-year high

Brazilian automobile production plateaued in November, rising just 0.7% from October after several months of higher growth, as the head of automakers association Anfavea warned that shortages for crucial parts could lead to production issues in December.

World Business Watch: Brazil auto recovery stalls on parts shortage

Japan announced a fresh $708 billion economic stimulus package on Tuesday to speed up the recovery from the country’s deep coronavirus-driven slump.

World Business Watch: Japan announces $708 bn in fresh stimulus

A shortage of chips used in auto manufacturing could disrupt automotive production in China well into next year. Reports saying chip companies are raising prices and expanding production in response.

World Business Watch: Chip shortages could slow automotive production in China

Foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows into India crossed the $500 billion milestone between April 2000 to September 2020, strengthening the country’s credentials as an investment destination.

World Business Watch: FDI equity inflows into India cross $500 bn milestone

Passenger vehicle sales in India continued its growth momentum for the fourth straight month in November spurred by festival demand.

World Business Watch: India: Passenger vehicle dispatches maintain growth momentum

Goldman Sachs revised upwards its FY21 growth forecast for India to a 10.3% contraction, from -14.8% it had projected in September.

World Business Watch: Goldman Sachs raises India's FY21 GDP forecast to -10.3%

Bitcoin soared to its highest level since December 2017 as the asset’s perceived quality as a hedge against inflation and expectations of mainstream acceptance lured institutional and retail demand.

World Business Watch: Bitcoin hits nearly three year peak | Highest level reached since Dec 2017

Watch in this video of 'World Business Watch': Strong economic data from China & Japan, Asian stocks hit record peak.

World Business Watch: Strong economic data from China & Japan, Asian stocks hit record peak

Watch in this video of 'World Business Watch': Germany plans $26 Billion in COVID aid for firms.

World Business Watch: Germany plans $26 Billion in COVID aid for firms

Watch in this video of 'World Business Watch': Japan's GDP grows most on record after COVID recession.

World Business Watch: Japan's GDP grows most on record after COVID recession

Watch today in World Business Watch: Automotive manufacturer Daimler to be smaller company in five years.

World Business Watch: Automotive manufacturer Daimler to be smaller company in five years

Stock markets gained on Wednesday, as news of a working COVID-19 vaccine seemed to inoculate investors against worry about surging infections in Europe and the United States, while the kiwi rose as traders thought the central bank sounded upbeat.

Global stocks up as vaccine shields against second-wave worries

News of a breakthrough in the race to find a COVID-19 vaccine sparked one of the heaviest trading days since the height of the pandemic crisis, according to early data analysed by Reuters, with nearly $2 trillion (1.51 trillion pounds) changing hands on Monday.

Nearly $2 trillion traded on COVID-19 vaccine news

The European Union charged Amazon with damaging retail competition, alleging on Tuesday that the U.S. company uses its size, power and data to gain an unfair advantage over smaller merchants that sell on its online platform.

Europe charges Amazon with using dominance and data to squeeze rivals

Dealers in India for Harley-Davidson Inc said on Tuesday they are exploring legal action against the iconic American motorcycle brand after it effectively exited the market as part of a broader restructuring plan.

Dealers in India consider legal action against Harley-Davidson

India: Sensex trading above 43,500 mark

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is in the final stages of reviewing proposed changes to Boeing Co's 737 MAX and expects to complete the process in the "coming days," the agency's chief told Reuters on Monday.

FAA in final stages of Boeing 737 MAX review

India's antitrust body on Monday ordered an investigation into allegations that Alphabet Inc's Google was abusing its market position to promote its payments app as well as forcing app developers to use its in-app payment system.

India's antitrust body orders investigation into Google payments app

Bitcoin continued its weeks-long surge rising more than 8% to pass $15,000 for the first time since January 2018 amid post-election volatility.

World Business Watch: Bitcoin hits highest level since Jan 2018 amid post-election volatility

Apple has been ordered to face lawsuit by shareholders who accused CEO Tim Cook of concealing falling demand for iPhones in China, resulting in billions of dollars of investor losses.

World Business Watch: Apple to face lawsuit over CEO Tim Cook's 2018 China sales comments

Suzuki Motor Corp forecast operating profit to fall by a quarter to 160 billion yen ($1.5 billion) in the year to March as sales, including in its key Indian market, shrink amid the coronavirus pandemic.

World Business Watch: Suzuki Expects annual profit to shrink by 25% as India sales slump

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World Business Watch: German GDP expected to grow by 3.5% in 2021

World Business Watch: EasyJet secures new five-year $1.87 billion loan with UK guarantee

World Business Watch: Cyber crime costs Russia $49 BN in 2020

Reports: EU and China likely to clinch new investment deal this week

Reports: EU and China likely to clinch new investment deal this week

Japan business sentiment improves for second straight quarter

AstraZeneca to buy US biotech firm Alexion for USD 39 billion

World Business Watch: Asia shares hit record high on vaccine progress

World Business Watch: Cuba attracts $1.9 billion in FDI despite US sanctions

World Business Watch: Australia consumer sentiment hits 10-year high

World Business Watch: Brazil auto recovery stalls on parts shortage

World Business Watch: Japan announces $708 bn in fresh stimulus

World Business Watch: Chip shortages could slow automotive production in China

World Business Watch: FDI equity inflows into India cross $500 bn milestone

World Business Watch: India: Passenger vehicle dispatches maintain growth momentum

World Business Watch: Goldman Sachs raises India's FY21 GDP forecast to -10.3%

World Business Watch: Bitcoin hits nearly three year peak | Highest level reached since Dec 2017

World Business Watch: Strong economic data from China & Japan, Asian stocks hit record peak

World Business Watch: Germany plans $26 Billion in COVID aid for firms

World Business Watch: Japan's GDP grows most on record after COVID recession

World Business Watch: Automotive manufacturer Daimler to be smaller company in five years

Global stocks up as vaccine shields against second-wave worries

Nearly $2 trillion traded on COVID-19 vaccine news

Europe charges Amazon with using dominance and data to squeeze rivals

Dealers in India consider legal action against Harley-Davidson

India: Sensex trading above 43,500 mark