Beijing on Thursday said it "firmly opposes" trade restrictions included in a new U.S. defense act, having already admonished the bill for interfering in China's internal affairs.

Asian equities were largely subdued in mixed morning trade on Thursday, as recent gains held with investors still optimistic about US-China trade ties.

About a decade after co-founding Uber, Travis Kalanick on Tuesday severed his last ties with the ride-hailing giant, announcing he would exit the board of directors at the end of 2019.

After a torrid 2019 in which the queen's son Prince Andrew was implicated in an underage sex abuse scandal, many in Britain are again asking if the monarchy has gotten too big -- and rich -- for its own good.

Christmas Day brought no respite for travelers in France as a transport strike entered its fourth week, ruining the plans of thousands to share a traditional meal and quality time with loved ones. 

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signalled plans to free up more cash for the country's banking system in a bid to boost lending to small businesses as leaders look to kickstart the world's number two economy.

Italian deputies on Monday adopted the first budget presented by the country's new coalition government between the center-left Democratic Party and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement. 

Argentina's center-left government is due to approve on Monday a package of emergency measures aimed at lifting the South American country out of its worst economic crisis in years.

With Argentina's new president saying that his country is in "virtual default" and comparing the situation with the 2001 crisis, the worst in its recent history, here is a recap of the latest turmoil.

Traders' screens twinkled red and green on Monday as stock markets wobbled on Monday in a muted start to a holiday-shortened trading week, with many investors already away for Christmas.