US businesses brace for election unrest

Shop-owners in cities across the US are boarding up windows as they brace for unrest following the US election.

The preparations come just a few months after many businesses were hit by looters in the violent demonstrations that erupted after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.

Retailers Saks 5th Avenue, Nordstrom and pharmacy chain CVS were among the biggest firms taking precautions.

Concerns the election will be contested have also weighed on financial markets.

However, the main US indexes closed higher on Monday, reversing course after steep falls last week.

National polls suggest a healthy lead for challenger Joe Biden over current US President Donald Trump in Tuesday’s election.

But Mr Biden’s lead is narrower in the handful of states that could decide the result. Legal disputes over what votes will be counted are already under way in many states.