The Daily Money: World's 10 wealthiest men got even richer during COVID

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The Daily Money ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW   Tuesday, January 18 Good morning and happy Tuesday, Daily Money readers. Jayme Deerwester here, back after the long holiday weekend. Hope your Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a restorative one. We'll start this morning with some big news from the gaming world. Call of Duty and World of Warcraft have a new home: Microsoft. On Tuesday, the software giant announced it will acquire Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind those iconic titles, in an all-cash deal valued at $68.7 billion.   The deal bolsters Microsoft's plans for expanding into the metaverse, and it potentially secures the best-selling video game franchise for 13 straight years (according to research firm NPD Group) exclusively on PCs and its Xbox video game console. On to today's ... 💡DAILY INSIGHT. 💡 As the rest of the world suffered financially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 10 richest men doubled their fortunes, according to a new report published Monday by economic justice and advocacy group Oxfam. (The study was not peer-reviewed.) it illuminated the global inequity between the rich and everyone else. Official data from the report noted that the collective salaries of the 10 richest men, which include Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, increased from $700 billion to $1.5 trillion from March of 2020 to November 2021. Speaking of Elon Musk, Tesla is working to become less dependent on China to source graphite, a key part of its electric batteries. That puts the car marker one step closer to making its own. OTHER STORIES YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS:  'Commerce will grind to a halt.'  Airline executives implore feds to keep AT&T, Verizon's 5G away from airports. In case you missed it.  Your health insurance now covers at-home COVID-19 tests. Just don't throw away that receipt. Want to unload your old tech?  How – and where – to sell your old or unwanted gear. 'Non-fungi-what?'  How our tech columnist explained NFTs to her boomer parents. The year 2022 is starting with a COVID surge and high inflation. Could that mean more stimulus checks? 🎶 MOOD MUSIC. 🎶 In light of Microsoft's latest acquisition, I'm going with Lupe Fiasco's "Little Weapon" today: "Imagine if I had to console the families of those slain I slayed on game consoles." The 10 richest men in the world double their wealth during pandemic Billionaires like Elon Musk are doubling incomes, while the other 99% are struggling. An Oxfam report shows 'obscene inequality' from rich and poor. Microsoft to acquire Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard Insurance now covers at-home COVID testing kits. How to get free... Tesla reducing dependence on China for key battery part, analysts say Far-right network dropped by DirecTV, a major financial blow Could there more stimulus checks in 2022? How – and where – to sell your old or unwanted tech gear Whose student loans will benefit from the Navient settlement? 'Non-fungi-what?' How I explained NFTs to my boomer parents Don't start your car too often in cold weather   FOLLOW US Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe • Manage Newsletters • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights • Privacy Notice • Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy • Feedback © 2022 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102