NEW YORK -- Wall Street's major averages closed at new record highs after Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th U.S. president.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 257.86 points, or 0.83 percent, to 31,188.38. The S&P 500 increased 52.94 points, or 1.39 percent, to 3,851.85. The Nasdaq Composite Index jumped 260.07 points, or 1.97 percent, to 13,457.25. All the three major indexes notched their respective record closes. (U.S.-Stocks-Rise)

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SANTIAGO -- The Public Health Institute of Chile (ISP) on Wednesday approved the emergency use of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) developed by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech.

"We obtained very good results regarding the manufacturing quality and the strains being developed in the manufacture of this vaccine. We are approving a safe and effective vaccine for the population," acting director of the ISP, Heriberto Garcia, said.

The vaccine "prevents hospitalizations and the severity of the disease," he added. (Chile-China-Vaccine)

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MONTEVIDEO -- Financial analysts downgraded their 2020 economic growth forecast for Uruguay, from the 5.1 percent drop in gross domestic product (GDP) projected in December, to 5.5 percent drop, the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU) said on Wednesday.

The result is an average of responses to a survey of economists and analysts, with the most pessimistic forecasting a 6.1 percent drop in GDP and the most optimistic, a 4 percent decline. (Uruguay-Economy)

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WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday reversed the U.S. process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Hours after being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, Biden signed an executive order ceasing a withdrawal process that his predecessor Donald Trump initiated last year.

"Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health. On my first day as President, I will rejoin the @WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage," Biden tweeted in July when the former administration notified the United Nations of withdrawal from the WHO. (U.S.-WHO) Enditem

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