USA

• [New] Two of Canada's close allies, the U.S. and the U.K., already have concrete plans to distribute vaccines, with the first delivery expected in December.
• [New] Hispanics and Latinos have a 1.3 times higher risk for infection and a 3.1 higher hospitalization rate, while Native American communities are at the highest risk.
• [New] Last month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Division warned cybersecurity professionals of increased Pysa ransomware activity targeting education institutions in 12 US states and the United Kingdom.
• [New] US industry will be protected from fair international competition by its benevolent benefactor, which will rob it of the incentive to seek new and innovative ways to do business.
• [New] The Biden administration will likely follow the trend of the former Trump administration in increasing its use of country-specific sanctions programs for human rights - and corruption-related designations, as opposed to strictly using the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program.
• [New] A Center for a New American Security report shows the impact of Russia-China alignment is likely to be far greater than the sum of its parts and could amplify the challenges both countries pose.
• [New] Concerning the obstruction and risks of listing in the US stock market, some Chinese firms gradually turn their eyes to the Hong Kong and A-share stock markets, which can both satisfy the listing demands for Chinese companies.
• [New] The U.S. government is creating a dangerous precedent that will have a distinct chilling effect on national security reporting around the world.
• [New] There will be enough vaccines for all Americans by the end of next month, and some states have begun making plans for a return to normalcy.
• [New] Though the US is vaccinating nearly five times faster than the global average, with 40% of adults having received at least one shot, lower income countries with limited vaccine access could become a site for variants to spin out of control.
• [New] Although aging population represents one significant global demographic trend for which CPG companies must prepare, it is important to mention that by 2030, Hispanics will make up 23% of the population in the United States, while the white population will fall from 65% to 55%.
• [New] Social isolation in older adults is a serious public health risk affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.
• [New] The U.S. is in danger of falling behind China and Russia in developing AI technologies and countering cybersecurity threats that could develop as AI use becomes more widespread (see: AI Supremacy: Russia, China Could Edge Out US, Experts Warn).
• [New] Particularly in the US, where Android competition is extremely low, the loss of LG will only further entrench the Apple-Samsung duopoly at the high end.
• [New] International students, soured by being turned away from Australian opportunities, may well find more accessible education facilities elsewhere in the world, such as Canada, the United States and the UK.
• [New] China will be a central player in tackling transnational challenges such as climate change, pandemic recovery and preparedness, and arms control.
• [New] The new US administration has spent its first few months in office articulating a foreign policy that will guide its relations with both allies and adversaries.
• [New] Climate change threatens the real estate nest eggs of older adults living on America's coasts, often in ways that are hidden or difficult for homeowners to assess.
• [New] Investment in ear and hearing care has been shown to be cost-effective, and governments can expect a return of nearly US$16 for every US$1 invested.

Last updated: 07 April 2021