WINNIPEG, July 15 (MarketsFarm) – The following is a glance at the news moving markets in Canada and globally.

– The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday that during the last week, the number of COVID-19-related deaths had increased for the first time in nine weeks, a three per cent increase to 55,000 deaths. During that week, new cases also rose 10 per cent to nearly three million worldwide with the highest numbers in Brazil, Indonesia, India and the United Kingdom. Low vaccination rates, the relaxation of mask rules and the spread of the Delta variant, which has been identified in 111 countries worldwide, were the primary factors.

– Statistics Canada reported on Wednesday that manufacturing sales in Canada declined for the second straight month in May, falling 0.6 per cent to C$57.9 billion. Most of the drop was attributed to a 16.9 per cent cut in machinery sales, totalling C$3.1 billion. However, wood product sales and the primary metal industry both saw increases in sales.

– More than 20 people have already died in heavy flooding in Germany and Belgium after storms in western Europe caused flash flooding in many areas. The full extent of the damage is unclear as villages and towns have been cut off by flood waters and landslides have forced roads to be closed.