Briefing 30-08-2020

UCB’s MFS company launch by Dec

Bangladesh's mobile financial service (MFS) sector is likely to get a big boost with the new foothold of an old market player to serve potential customers independently in paperless banking, company sources said. The United Commercial Bank Limited's (UCB) MFS wallets - U-Cash and U-pay - are going to be replaced with a new brand under an independent company by this year-end, its project head told the FE. Page 12

US stocks head for best August since 1986

US stocks are poised for the best August since 1986, after the sharp technology-dominated rally since March sent blue-chips to a record high. The S&P 500 index is up 6.8 per cent for the month and if the gains hold until trading closes on Monday, that would mark the best August since the index's 7.1 per cent advance 34 years ago. Page 9

Children's role in spreading virus

Children can carry coronavirus in their noses for up to three weeks, according to a study from South Korea. Earlier studies have found the vast majority of children with the virus have mild or no symptoms. Page 10

Chinese vaccines’ phase-3 clinical trials

Four Chinese COVID-19 vaccine candidates have started international phase-3 clinical trials. Some of the phase-3 trials are expected to complete the first round of vaccinations in early September, with preliminary data expected as early as November. Page 10