News

* New decision will fuel more inflation - economist (Adds comment from economist Nasser Saidi)

Members of the House of Commons to participate via Zoom to ensure social distancing

A war of words between Telecom Italia (TIM) and Open Fiber over the creation of a single broadband network in Italy escalated on Tuesday as Telecom Italia called its smaller rival's business model a "failure".

JPMorgan Chase & Co, the largest U.S. lender, said on Tuesday it was working on a plan to bring thousands of employees currently working from home back onsite in phases, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

Europe's banks are expected to have to set aside billions for potential loan losses as well as take profit hits because of the coronavirus crisis when they start reporting results over the next two weeks.

U.S. home sales dropped by the most in nearly 4-1/2 years in March as extraordinary measures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus brought buyer traffic to a virtual standstill, with realtors and economists expecting a further deterioration in housing market activity through the second quarter.

The plunge in U.S. crude futures prices for May delivery the day before the contract’s expiry this week will revive questions about the contract’s design and whether it can continue to serve as a useful benchmark.

A "unique" Swiss loan programme for companies hit by the coronavirus outbreak is attracting interest from countries including Germany and Britain, the head of Credit Suisse's Swiss business said.

* Sees bounce-back to 6% growth in 2021 (Adds quotes; debt agency increases borrowing target; background on Ireland's economy and pandemic response; Mass gatherings banned until end-August)

New York state charged Mallinckrodt Plc on Tuesday with insurance fraud for misrepresenting the safety and efficacy of its opioid drugs, leading to medically unnecessary prescriptions.