Stock markets in the energy-rich Gulf states rebounded Monday, after huge losses in the previous session driven by fears over the impact of the coronavirus which has sent oil prices below $50 a barrel.

China's manufacturing activity fell to its lowest level on record in February as official data on Saturday confirmed the massive damage the deadly coronavirus epidemic has caused to the world's second-largest economy.

Oil prices dived four percent on Friday to trade at their lowest levels for more than a year, as the coronavirus crisis continued to spark panic over crude demand.

Asian markets spiralled downwards Friday, extending a collapse in New York and Europe that has wiped trillions of dollars off valuations as the coronavirus spread rapidly around the world with the WHO warning the deadly epidemic was now at a "decisive point".

U.S. securities regulators announced on Thursday they had fined actor Steven Seagal and suspended him from investment promotions over charges he hawked a cryptocurrency venture without disclosing compensation.

The World Bank launched a new effort Thursday to combat extreme poverty by expanding work in countries beset by violence.

U.S. stocks tumbled again Thursday, joining a sell-off in most global bourses over coronavirus fears, putting Wall Street on pace for its worst week since 2008.

Asian markets fell again on Thursday as coronavirus infections surged outside China with more new countries reporting cases and analysts warning of more pain ahead for investors.

Hong Kong's government said Wednesday it will give a HK$10,000 ($1,280) handout to every permanent resident in a bid to jump-start an economy in recession after months of protests and hit further by the coronavirus outbreak.

More than 100 IMF members have pledged to provide $334 million in debt relief for Somalia, which then will unlock fresh funds to help the country, the International Monetary Fund announced Wednesday.