1. NSW voters blame COVID rule breakers and the state government for lockdown

29% of those surveyed in a Newspoll published by The Australian said individuals were 'more to blame' for the current COVID-19 situation in Greater Sydney and 22% said the government was more to blame. A further 46% of respondents said individuals and the government combined were equally responsible.

2. ANZ unveils $1.5 billion share buyback

ANZ has announced a plan to buyback shares worth up to $1.5 billion in a statement released last night in which the bank also reiterated its support for its customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. "After reviewing options, we consider an on-market buy-back to be the most prudent, fairest and flexible method to return capital in the current environment," said ANZ chairman Paul O'Sullivan.

3. US and allies including Australia blame China for Microsoft cyber attack

Australia has joined the United States, the EU, Canada, Japan, the UK and New Zealand in blaming China for a cyber attack on the Microsoft Exchange email server earlier this year that affected tens of thousands of computers globally, including in businesses and governments. The US also said that ransomware attacks were being carried out on companies by hackers affiliated with the Chinese government who demanded millions of dollars.

4. 33-hour rugby game sets new record

Hoylake Rugby Club in the UK has set a new Guinness World Record for 'longest marathon playing touch/mini/tag rugby'. The club played for 33 hours, 33 minutes and 33 seconds as a tribute to number 3 player Dan Miller who passed away last year.

5. Dow Jones drops over 2% for worst day since October

The Dow Jones fell by 725.81 points or 2.09% on Monday, the biggest fall for the index since October 28 last year. The S&P 500 moved down 68.67 points or 1.59% to 4,258.49 and the Nasdaq dropped 152.25 points or 1.06% to 14,274.98.