Dramatic action taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks over the coronavirus outbreak has piled pressure on ECB chief Christine Lagarde to follow suit, but analysts warn she has little room left for maneuver.

Britain said on Thursday that the first round of post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union had thrown up "significant differences" but said there had been a "constructive tone."

Asian markets rallied Thursday following a surge on Wall Street, with confidence buoyed by global stimulus measures to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus.

The coronavirus epidemic already has disrupted travel and access to goods for U.S. industry, and businesses nationwide have sounded the warning that things could get worse, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

While activity in the world's largest economy continued to grow at a modest to moderate pace in recent weeks, the outlook was becoming more uncertain, according to the Fed's beige book survey.

Wall Street jumped early Wednesday after Joe Biden's strong performance in the Democratic Super Tuesday primaries boosted his chances against leftist Bernie Sanders.

BMW on Tuesday presented its "i4" electric concept car set for release in 2021, as Germany's high-end manufacturers scramble to offer drivers a credible alternative to Tesla.

Global financial leaders vowed to ward off a widespread financial crisis threatened by the coronavirus Tuesday, after the UN health agency said the world has entered "uncharted territory" with the outbreak's rapid spread.

Sales of hand sanitizer in Britain have more than tripled as nervous customers sought to protect themselves from coronavirus, data showed Tuesday.

Most Asian markets rose for a second day Tuesday following a blockbuster surge on Wall Street fuelled by hopes for a concerted global response to the coronavirus.

The OPEC club of oil-producing countries meets Thursday in Vienna as they weigh how to react to a sharp drop in global oil demand due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.