Growing inflation concerns, a COVID-19 vaccine milestone, a glut of digital health startups, a Connecticut budget surplus, easing business restrictions in Connecticut, and preparations for a return to live entertainment are among the top business news items this morning.
National
Business and industry groups are growing increasingly concerned about the inflation being driven by commodities shortages, high consumer demand, and lingering tariffs from the Trump administration. The Federal Reserve expects that the inflation will be temporary and is fueled in part by the economic recovery, but is monitoring the issue to determine if further action is needed.
The United States has surpassed the milestone of 100 million people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the White House. The Biden administration says it will focus on increasing vaccine accessibility, providing resources, and combatting misinformation in the next 100 days to continue to increase vaccination numbers.
Business trends
Digital health startups have proved popular among investors, with numerous companies offering products aiming to bolster personal fitness, improve mental health, and promote weight loss. However, a Wall Street Journal article finds that this is putting stress on corporate benefits executives as they often have to grapple with redundant offerings.
Connecticut
Connecticut is forecasted to finish its fiscal year well in the black, with an anticipated $950 million surplus. This information, combined with upgraded revenue forecasts for the next two fiscal years, may help improve the odds of a consensus agreement on the state budget.
Connecticut has implemented its first rollback of remaining COVID-19 business restrictions on schedule, lifting a curfew on restaurants, eliminating a table size limiting, and allowing outdoor alcohol service without food. All remaining restrictions are set to be lifted on May 19.
Following a long shutdown brought on by COVID-19, Connecticut theaters are poised to reopen in the autumn. Several venues have begun scheduling shows for the season, and a survey of audience opinions found that the majority of respondents in the Northeast would be willing to return to a live show in September or October.