Wednesday’s business headlines

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Here’s a look at Wednesday’s business headlines.

Economic recovery

American companies are being hit with a double whammy: high unemployment and a record number of workers calling out sick.

Nearly 1.8 million workers were absent in November because of illness, slightly less than the record 2 million who called out sick in April, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Meanwhile, another worry is that the slow vaccination progress.

The World Bank says this year’s growth may be kept to a paltry 1.6% if the vaccine rollout is delayed and infections continue to climb.

USDA food boxes

The USDA announced $1.5 billion for another round of food boxes.

These are the farmers to families food boxes that help American families access nutrious and healthy meals as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Milk prices surged after the USDA food box aid program was extended.

Subaru

Subaru sales were up in December compared to a year ago.

The Crosstrek had its best December sales ever.

The Ascent, Impreza, Legacy and Outback are all made at the Lafayette plant and the Impreza saw a 34% drop in sales.

Stock exchange

The New York Stock Exchange reverses course and will not delist Chinese telecom companies.

The three companies were to leave the exchange after President Trump said they were working with the Chinese military.

The stock exchange says they can remain listed and still meet federal regulations.