Friday’s business headlines
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Here’s a look at Friday’s business headlines with Jane King.
Lilly: Antibody-based drug prevents COVID-19
Eli Lilly and Co. said its antibody-based drug prevented COVID-19 among many residents and staff of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, results that point to the drug complementing vaccines while inoculations increase.
The drug reduced the risk of both staff and residents getting sick with COVID-19 by about 57% compared with a placebo.
Older Americans shopping online
Older Americans are increasingly buying groceries – and just about everything else – on the internet, and those over 65 are now the fastest-growing category of e-commerce shoppers.
The coronavirus pandemic has reshaped habits and behaviors of even the most resolute shoppers.
Consumers 65 and older, on average, spent a total of $1,615 online from January through October, a 49% increase from a year earlier, making them the fastest-growing cohort of online shoppers, according to NPD group.
Disney laid off thousands, execs made millions
Disney laid off thousands, but top execs made $35 million amid the pandemic in 2020.
CEO Bob Chapek was reportedly paid $14 million while executive chairman Bob Iger earned $21 million.
However, the two executives will not receive bonuses this year
Disney cut 32,000 jobs last year as its theme parks, cruises and movie studios were closed for part of last year.
Apple virtual, augmented reality headset
Apple is working on a virtual reality/augmented reality headset that is expected to be released as soon as 2022.
The headset will be an expensive device that paves the way for more mainstream AR glasses from the company in upcoming years.
One report said the VR headset will set the stage for a thinner, sleeker pair of smart glasses that could replace the iPhone in about a decade.
Hershey bar sales soar
Hershey’s says early in the pandemic they noticed more people buying six packs of Hershey bars.
It wants to take part in new traditions like family movie nights, suggest recipes that include its candies and cater to customers who want a tasty but affordable indulgence.
The company has had to adapt to behavioral changes, such as more people buying groceries online.