* Omicron variant is now the dominant coronavirus strain in US, says CDC
* Omicron expected to slow world economy by half in Q4 vs. Q3
* Global merger and acquisition activity rises to record $5 trillion-plus in 2021
* Companies set to install record amounts of batteries on US electric grid this year
* Why did Sen. Manchin oppose Build Back Better Act? Coal is probably a factor
* US Leading Economic Index up “sharply” in Nov, signaling upbeat outlook: