* Fed prepared for quicker end to stimulus program, Powell says
* Omicron raises uncertainty around inflation risk, warns Fed chair
* Russian President Putin warns West on ‘red line’ for NATO, Ukraine
* Could oil surge to $150? It’s possible, says analyst at Jefferies
* China mfg activity expanded slightly in November
* Eurozone mfg output stabilized in November at solid growth rate
* UK mfg grew at strong rate in November as input prices surged
* US home prices continue to run hot, but growth rate eased in September
* Chicago PMI reflects softer growth in November
* US Consumer Confidence Index slipped to 9-month low in November: