Finnish telecom equipment provider Nokia beat expectations in a "challenging" 2019 as a strong fourth quarter enabled it to post its first full-year net profit since 2015, of 7.0  million euros.

U.S.-Italian automaker Fiat Chrysler said Thursday its net earnings fell by nearly a fifth last year as sales slowed, although both rose in the final quarter.

China on Thursday said it would halve tariffs on $75 billion-worth of US imports as part of its trade truce with Washington and as officials look to calm markets unnerved by the deadly virus outbreak.

Asian markets rallied again Thursday despite the China virus claiming hundreds of lives and infecting tens of thousands, with investors welcoming strong US jobs data and Beijing's decision to slash levies on US imports.

Pope Francis insisted Wednesday poverty could be beaten if the world's rich play a full part in ending inequality as he attended a conference on financial inclusion.

The British government on Wednesday announced plans to stop prosecuting people who do not pay the BBC's compulsory subscription fee, sparking concerns about the broadcaster's future funding.

The U.S. trade deficit fell last year to $616.8 billion, the first time the gap has narrowed since 2013 as imports declined more than exports, according to government data released Wednesday.

The number of travellers passing through Dubai International airport dipped last year for the first time in 20 years but the airport remained the world's busiest for international passengers, authorities said on Wednesday.

Asian markets on Wednesday extended this week's global rally following a fresh record in New York, while safe havens retreated as concerns about the impact of the deadly China virus eased.

A Ukrainian lawmaker's suggestion to a pensioner that she sell her dog to pay her gas bills has sparked an outcry in one of Europe's poorest countries and forced authorities to intervene.