Stimulus check, coronavirus & US news summary: 20 Jan 2021

coronavirus

Second stimulus check: how can I activate and withdraw cash from the EIP debit card?

How can I activate and withdraw cash from the EIP debit card?

Many of the last $600 Economic Impact payments came on an EIP 2 debit card. Here is all you need to know about how to activate and use it.

Read more: 

2021 tax filing season will start on Friday 12 February

The IRS announced that the nation's tax season will start on Friday 12 February, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns. To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need. People can begin filing their tax returns immediately with tax software companies, including IRS Free File partners. These groups are starting to accept tax returns now, and the returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting 12 February.

Biden's proposed stimulus checks are "a lousy way to fix the economy"

Some economists and others critical of Joe Biden's plan to give most American individuals an additional $1,400 as a direct payment, is that much of the funds would go to those who have not been financially hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic, writes Chris Isidore for CNN. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Analytics, says that the money "is not well targeted". 

Stocks welcome Yellen's call to 'act big' on coronavirus spending

World shares gained on Wednesday on bets of hefty US spending after US Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen urged lawmakers to 'act big' to save the economy and worry about debt later. Oil rose and the dollar slipped in response.

At her confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Yellen said the benefits of a big stimulus package to counter the coronavirus pandemic were greater than the expenses of a higher debt burden. Pandemic relief would take priority over tax increases, she said, calling for corporations and the wealthy - both winners from Republican tax cuts in 2017 - to 'pay their fair share'.

Investors in European equities welcomed the comments, with the Euro STOXX 600 climbing 0.5%, gathering steam in morning trading. Indexes in Frankfurt and Paris were up 0.5% and 0.2% respectively, though London shares were flat. Luxury stocks gave the biggest boost, with Richemont quarterly sales climbing 5%, led by strong growth at its jewellery brands in Asia and the Middle East. The buoyant mood mirrored that in Asia, where MSCI's Asia-Pacific index outside Japan rose 1% to its highest ever. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.1% to near its 2019 peak. Australian shares hit a record high.

'They realised that there is some limits to what monetary policy can do to effect change in the real economy,' said Shaniel Ramjee, senior investment manager at Pictet Asset Management. 'The Fed will continue buying bonds issued by the US Treasury in order to fund the fiscal programs.'

Manchin keeps door open to higher payments

Joe Machin has called for 'immediate' help to go out to 'the people that need it' but says that it should be targeted if that is possible.

He also highlight what he feels is even more important: infrastructure spending.

Stimulus or survival?

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley made the following plea to American lawmakers as the change of goverment was beginning.

She is pushing for more than just a one-off payment for the most needy, which she sees as helping them and the economy as a whole via knock-on spending.

Coronavirus Stimulus Checks

Third stimulus check: how to calculate how much you could receive

Stimulus check calculator

The final amount of the next stimulus check had been a hot topic since the Spring, with Democrats pushing for larger payouts to qualifying Americans while most Republicans pulled the metaphorical purse strings somewhat tighter.

Now, just as Joe Biden is due to be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan has been proposed which will include a booster $1,400 third stimulus check to add to the skinny $600 payout in December.

Emily France looks into what that could mean for Americans.

WATCH: Janet Yellen Senate hearing

The nominee for Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen came before the Senate committee which is tasked with confirming her position.

Yellen would inherit a floundering economy and jobs market that continues to be battered by the surging coronavirus pandemic and Biden sees her as a key part of the work that lies ahead.

UNITED STATES

Biden inauguration live online: Celebrating America concert, Trump, speeches | updates today

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris inauguration: live

Although our focus on this blog is around the stimulus check, coronavirus updates and related issues, if you are keen to follow the build-up, the official swearing in, and all other proceedings to the inauguration, you can enjoy it all here.

The preamble is underway and the official show will start at 10 am ET and includes Lady Gaga singing the National Anthem and a performance by Jennifer Lopez.

Stimulus check and US latest news: welcome

Welcome to our live blog bringing you all the latest information on the proposed third round of stimulus checks, as well as live US political news that may affect it.

Much of the focus of today will be on the departure of President Donald Trump from the White House, as the world watches on for President Joe Biden's inauguration.