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Biden plays down inflation fears, Bitcoin believers out in full force and vaccine push intensifies.

President Joe Biden waded into the inflation debate again last night, expressing confidence that rising prices are temporary and won't translate into “long-term inflation that’s going to get out of hand.” Republicans have criticized Biden following the biggest surge in consumer prices in more than 12 years, while blaming widespread labor shortages on unemployment benefits. Biden said at a CNN town hall event that workers in restaurants and the hospitality sector are seeking better wages and working conditions. Price pressures are also in focus in Europe, where the central bank will unveil its first policy decision since raising the inflation goal to 2% earlier this month.