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U.S. banks will likely be allowed to keep paying dividends to shareholders, according to people familiar with the matter, even as the coronavirus pandemic threatens to create a mountain of bad loans that could eventually weaken the lenders.

Malaysia’s economy could contract this year as the country struggles with a month-long coronavirus lockdown and a steep fall in commodity prices.

More than 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week – doubling a record high set just one week earlier – a sign that layoffs are accelerating in the midst of the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia supports cooperation between oil producers to stabilize the oil market but Russia’s opposition to a proposal last month to deepen oil supply cuts has caused market turmoil, a senior Gulf source familiar with Saudi thinking told Reuters.

China is moving forward with plans to buy up oil for its emergency reserves after an epic price crash, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The White House on Tuesday projected 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the United State from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.

HSBC has cancelled the fourth-quarter interim dividend of US$0.21 per ordinary share, citing the current economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The dividend was scheduled to be paid on 14 April 2020.

Landlords in premium Hong Kong retail areas are proving flexible on rents as retailers experience an unprecedented drop in sales of between 50–80 per cent during the first financial quarter this year.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd plans to buy at least 10% of Yunda Holding Co Ltd , marking the e-commerce giant’s fifth investment in a large courier, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Factory activity in China rebounded in March from a record low, according to official data released on Tuesday, returning to expansion territory while the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate the global economy.

The White House and congressional Democrats are preparing for a fourth round of economic stimulus to get the U.S. through its coronavirus outbreak, even while they’re still arguing over the $2 trillion measure President Donald Trump signed Friday.

All Chinese cinemas have been ordered to close again after trading began to resume. Late on Friday evening, China’s Film Bureau issued a decree ordering all venues to shut down, offering no reason for the change in policy.

President Donald Trump said the White House will extend its guidelines for the coronavirus outbreak — which include working from home, limiting gatherings to 10 people or less, and avoiding travel — until April 30.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Saturday that Japan will compile its "boldest-ever" stimulus package including cash handouts to struggling households to cope with the negative economic impact from what could become a prolonged coronavirus outbreak.

CKLIFE SCIENCES (00775.HK) +0.280 (+35.897%) last stood at $1.06, up 36%, on volume of 121 million shares and turnover of $131 million.

Global oil demand could dive by 20% as 3 billion people are in a lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday as he called on OPEC leader Saudi Arabia to help stabilise oil markets.

China has announced a temporary ban on all foreign visitors, even if they have visas or residence permits.

The Senate passes a $2 trillion economic relief package to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. It now heads to the House, which hopes to approve it by Friday.

As part of an economic stimulus package to be compiled in April, the government is considering a plan to provide cash to households facing loss of income from the coronavirus pandemic, informed sources said.

The one-month and three-month Treasury bill yields turned negative Wednesday.