Moderna developing 2 news vaccines: https://www.health.com/condition/vaccines/moderna-new-vaccines-respiratory-illnesses# . We have reported on the RSV vaccine previously. The second vaccine covers the 4 coronaviruses currently endemic in humans. This includes a significant part of the illnesses we call the common cold.
Shanghai reports 3 COVID deaths, the first of the lockdown: https://thehill.com/policy/international/asia-pacific/3271360-shanghai-reports-first-covid-deaths-amid-sweeping-lockdowns/ .
China’s Q1 growth is a weak 4.8%: https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-china-economy-f9d6ae40e4e8d3fa10843d31fcfd251c . Also, we know that Q2 is already weakened by the lockdowns. The annual target of 5.5% looks nearly impossible to meet at this point, especially as the property sector shake-out continues. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-economy-expanded-4-8-in-first-quarter-beating-expectations-11650247529 . It is odd to emphasize beating expectations in a recent poll. The more important point is this state-planned economy looks to significantly miss its targets, which is very unusual for China. And Zero COVID is a major factor in the miss.
WSJ: The global economic effect of the war in Ukraine: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-war-deepens-debt-woes-across-developing-world-11650187803 . Simply put, rising interest rates make existing debt harder to service.
WSJ: Mariupol nears fall to Russia: https://www.wsj.com/articles/mariupol-in-ruins-11650132943 . More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-calls-on-ukraines-surrounded-mariupol-forces-to-surrender-11650188920 .
Holes in the US sanction nets: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/americans-appetite-for-fish-is-helping-fund-the-invasion-of-ukraine-%e2%80%94-despite-an-import-ban-on-russian-seafood/ar-AAWjxrp?li=BBnb7Kz . Again, the world has converted to a global supply chain. But over time, these holes can be closed.
Zelensky reiterates Ukraine will not cede territory to end the war: https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/17/politics/zelensky-russia-war-tapper-interview-cnntv/index.html .
Mercedes announces advance in electric vehicle technology: https://www.thestreet.com/technology/mercedes-pulls-off-a-feat-that-should-worry-tesla .