The financial arm of Thailand's ultra-rich monarchy has transferred bank shares worth more than $500 million on behalf of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A hackers' congress launched in Prague on Friday will discuss new cryptocurrencies and other tools to combat the erosion of financial freedom around the world, organizers said.

"Technology will allow users to shake off economic dependence on the state and achieve financial and personal freedom," co-organizer Martin Sip said in a statement at the start of the three-day event.

Spain passed a decree Friday making it easier for businesses to shift their legal domiciles out of Catalonia, pressuring the region as Madrid resists its drive for independence.

The economy ministry said in a statement the measure was in response to demand from the business sector "in the face of difficulties that have arisen for the normal running of their activities in part of the national territory."

Industrial orders in Germany, a key indicator of the health of Europe's biggest economy, jumped in August, driven by strong overseas demand for German-made goods, data showed on Friday.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said Thursday a worldwide economic recovery is taking hold, opening a window for countries to enact reforms aimed at attaining broader, lasting prosperity.

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday advised Saudi Arabia not to rush reforms and price hikes as the oil-rich kingdom looks to overhaul its economy to cope with low crude prices.

The Madrid stock market rebounded somewhat on Thursday as investor concerns eased over the Catalan independence crisis.

The attack that left 58 people dead in Las Vegas could impact America's tourism capital, but only in the short term, experts say, predicting a full recovery within months.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked Congress for a bumper $29 billion package of emergency relief after Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico.

According to a White House letter, Trump asked for a package that includes $12.77 billion in disaster relief and a $16 billion bailout to keep a critical flood insurance program running.

Saudi Arabia Wednesday announced the consolidation of development funds under a unified body led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, cementing the powerful prince's position in the Gulf kingdom's affairs.