Macro Briefing: 21 July 2021

* World in ‘early stages’ of another Covid-19 wave, says WHO chief
* US life expectancy fell 1.5 years in 2020, biggest drop since WWII
* US economy facing stronger headwinds, including “whiff of stagflation”
* US set to drop opposition to Germany-Russia Nord Stream 2 pipeline
* Monthslong slide in bond yields challenges focus on inflation worries
* Senate leader struggles to keep infrastructure spending bill alive
* Covid slowing recovery for many Southeast Asian economies, says analyst
* US housing starts rose more than expected in June but permits fell again: