New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a Covid-19 vaccine mandate for all private-sector employers which will go into effect as of 27 December. de Blasio framed the mandate as a "pre-emptive strike" against the Omicron variant in an interview on MSNBC. There will also be new restrictions placed on the ability of unvaccinated 5 to 11-year-old children to access indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues. 

Market Reaction

Risk assets have not reacted to the latest announcement. But in the weeks ahead, as US Covid-19 infection rates rise, markets may become more sensitive to Covid-19 restriction headlines as market participants assess the expected impact, if any, on the US economy.