The winners of the pandemic

The pandemic is choosing its winners and losers, and big U.S. tech firms and retailers have been winning big. The shift to remote work, bulk online grocery shopping, fast-food and e-retail have given a major boost to companies like Amazon, Walmart, Zoom and McDonald's while dealing a devastating blow to smaller businesses unprepared to commit massive resources to deal with the shift, says Axios.

• COVID-19 has dealt devastation to small businesses in a number of sectors.
• Fast-food chains are thriving, while independent restaurants are feeling the heat.