Britain's economy grew by 0.5 percent in the first quarter, boosted by companies stockpiling ahead of Brexit, official data showed on Friday.

The United States pulled the trigger Friday on a steep increase in tariffs on Chinese products and Beijing immediately vowed to hit back, turning up the heat before a second day of trade negotiations.

Bahrain said on Thursday it has received the first instalment of a $10-billion support package from key Gulf allies aimed at balancing its budget by 2022.

Chinese trade officials headed to Washington for talks this week intend to "make a deal," U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday, reviving hopes for success in negotiations that had appeared to hang by a thread.

Turkey's troubled economy will contract one percent this year before a "gradual" rebound, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development forecast Wednesday.

Societe Generale de Banque au Liban announced Tuesday that it has won the “Product of the Year 2019” award for its

Australia central bank left interest rates on hold Thursday, brushing off calls for a cut to protect the country's 27-year recession-free run, with officials saying the economy was still in "reasonable" shape despite weak inflation and wage growth.

Keeping the cash rate at a record low 1.5 percent, the Reserve Bank of Australia signalled that it could cut at upcoming meetings if the labour market does not improve.

The former chief executive of France Telecom and other ex-bosses went on trial Monday facing unprecedented charges of moral harassment that allegedly prompted 35 employees to take their own lives a decade ago.

China said Monday it still plans to send negotiators to the United States for trade talks even after President Donald Trump vowed to raise tariffs later this week, a threat that sent stock markets into a tailspin.

Indonesia's economy grew slower than expected in the first quarter, official data showed Monday, as exports contracted for the first time since 2016 owing to softer demand for key commodities.