Investors Optimistic As Stimulus Bill Headed To President, But Worries Over New Virus Strain Linger

Investors Optimistic As Stimulus Bill Headed To President, But Worries Over New Virus Strain Linger

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Key Takeaways:



Stimulus package includes $600 checks, funds for airlines

Worries persist about new Covid-19 strain

Much of England in lockdown even as UK hasn't finalized EU trade deal



The lame-duck Congress has a bill.

A coronavirus relief bill that is. Lawmakers passed an $892 billion stimulus package that includes funds for small businesses, bolstered unemployment benefits, $600 direct payments for most Americans— including dependent children—and a bailout for airlines.

Now it goes to the president, who's expected to sign it into law, giving Main Street a lifeline amid economically damaging restrictions to combat the United States' third wave of Covid-19.

Wall Street seems to be cheering the development, in hopes that the package might be enough to stave off the worst economic damage until vaccines can be widely distributed. It's hoped that the stimulus package and vaccine rollouts will stimulate consumer spending, with the latter also freeing up businesses to re-open to pre-Covid levels.



But this morning the optimism seems relatively muted. Perhaps there are some lingering concerns about a new variant of the coronavirus that has prompted much of England to