Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union will not be as damaging to developing Asia's economies as feared, the World Bank said Tuesday as it increased its growth forecast for the region this year.

Countries in the Mekong region led by Myanmar are projected to expand at the fastest pace in the next three years, the bank said in an updated report on East Asia and the Pacific, though Thailand was projected to be a laggard.

Diamonds glitter in the display cases of Saddam al-Yafae's shop, but the business has lost its sparkle.

Gold sank Tuesday to the lowest level since the shock Brexit referendum result, taking its cue from the strong dollar -- which climbed on the prospect of rising U.S. interest rates. 

Former IMF chief Rodrigo Rato said Tuesday that using the funds of banks he headed up for personal use was "completely legal," as he took the stand in a trial for embezzlement.

The IMF raised its growth forecast for the eurozone on Tuesday, but warned of uncertainty due to the still unknown consequences of Brexit and damage caused by low inflation.

The Middle East and North Africa region is facing challenging times because of lower oil prices, the fallout from regional tensions and civil conflict, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday.

China's dependence on debt is growing at a "dangerous pace" and it must act to head off a brewing crisis in the world's second largest economy, the IMF warned Tuesday.

Shoppers in a dozen European countries can make online payments using a selfie from Tuesday, under a rollout by Mastercard of new payment technology.

Turkey on Tuesday cut its growth forecast for 2016 to just above three percent, as the global economic environment and effects of the July failed coup take their toll on the economy.

The pound slumped to a 31-year low against the dollar Tuesday on concerns over the timing of Britain's planned exit from the European Union, according to traders.

Britain's currency also struck a fresh three-year low point against the euro, while the drops helped pushed London's benchmark FTSE 100 stocks index up to a 16-month high beyond 7,000 points at the open.