PARIS: For months officials pledged the flow of goods and services between Britain and the EU would remain smooth after Brexit, but a series of hiccups and delays shows the days of frictionless trade might well be over. 

WASHINGTON: The World Bank on Tuesday downgraded its outlook for the global economy, and warned the situation could deteriorate if COVID-19 infections accelerate or the vaccine rollout is delayed. 

NEW YORK: Oil prices shot higher following Saudi Arabia’s surprise announcement that it would trim production, while global equities had a mixed session as governments contend with coronavirus outbreaks and difficulties with vaccinations.

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health yesterday announced recording 411 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours, raising total cases to 152,438. No new deaths were recorded during the same period of time, thus the mortalities’ toll remained at 938. 

LONDON: European stock markets drifted lower yesterday, echoing a subdued performance on Wall Street overnight, as investors fretted over a worsening coronavirus crisis after Britain imposed a fresh lockdown. 

KUWAIT: By all measures, 2020 has been an exceptional year, having presented numerous health, economic, and social challenges to the entire world. With the year closing, Zain has found itself to have reflected a spirit of national unity and commitment in the social sustainability values it has always adopted year after another. 

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced yesterday recording 312 new infection cases with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) during the past 24, raising the caseload to 152,027. No new deaths were recorded during the same period of time, thus the fatalities’ toll remained at 938. 

HONG KONG: Shares in China’s big three state-owned telecom companies slid in Hong Kong yesterday during the first day of trading since the New York Stock Exchange announced it was delisting the firms.