December 16, 2020 - Biz in 60

US labels Switzerland, Vietnam as currency manipulators The Trump administration has labeled Switzerland and Vietnam as currency manipulators. In a statement, the US Treasury Department said the two countries devalued their currencies to gain unfair advantage in international trade. The move could pave the way for punitive actions by Washington. UK launches inquiry into airlines over lockdown refunds The UK's competition watchdog has launched an investigation into airlines that have refused to give cash refunds to passengers. The Competition and Markets Authority said it would look at cases during the second coronavirus lockdown, when people were unable to travel lawfully for non-essential purposes. Flights were still operating during this period. MacKenzie Scott donates $4B to emergency relief funds MacKenzie Scott says she's donated more than four billion dollars to food banks and emergency relief funds in the past four months. She was formerly married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Scott signed the Giving Pledge in 2019, agreeing to donate the bulk of her wealth to charity. The philanthropist is the world's 18th richest person, with a net worth of more than 60 billion dollars.