Photo by Jan Romero on Unsplash

Yes, we are having a white Xmas as New York City had a snowstorm last night.

Covid-19

*My super has decided that anyone over the age of 2 in public parts of my building must have a mask. That is more than anyone else is aiming at. While I have no family in that age bracket I think this is excessive and have so informed the super.

*About 2000 flights which airlines were proposing to run today have been canceled because of virus not only amongst passengers but also among the crew.

*China has locked down Xi'an because of heavy virus outbreaks. It is the home of the Terracotta Warriors.

War

*Neue Zueriche Zeitung publisher satellite images of massive Russian military buildup around Ukraine. This is scary.

*Overnight more goodies were on offer to defense contractors starting with BAE Systems BAESY of Britain which won a $169.33 modification in its Marine Corps contract. The total amount is $3.354 bn for that one. It is for amphibious combat vehicles.

*Other modifications went to Lockheed LMT and Raytheon RTX. 

*But Northrop NOC and Boeing BA won new contracts worth even more.

Rating changes

*My largest US holding, Thermo Electron, had its current quarter eps raised by 0.047% to $49.29. Every bit helps. TMO.

*VIR was upgraded to buy from hold and its eps estimate was upped .20% to $1.77 from 1.57.

*Canadian Nutrien eps was upped 2 cents to $2.27 but it has no rating. NTR.

Funds

*Fund manager Lazard got its EPS upped 1 cent to $1.48 and its rating is now a buy, formerly hold. LAZ.

*Taiwan Fund is expected to raise its divvy next Monday. TWN.