Growth in the eurozone accelerated slightly in the second quarter of 2017 as Europe's tentative economic recovery remained on track, official EU data showed on Tuesday.

Asia markets started the month on a high Tuesday, buoyed by strong earnings results and gathering optimism over the global economy, even as the dollar came under fresh pressure from instability in the White House.

Equity indexes from Shanghai to Seoul chalked up substantial gains, with confidence fuelled by positive Chinese manufacturing data and figures showing South Korean exports surged 20 percent in July from a year earlier. 

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced the launch of a massive tourism project that will turn 50 islands and a string of sites on the Red Sea coast into luxury resorts.

Qatar has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over an "illegal siege" imposed by its Gulf neighbors, the commerce ministry said Monday.

The gas-rich emirate has been slapped with sanctions and demands after four countries including regional kingpin Saudi Arabia cut ties with it on June 5, accusing Doha of fostering Islamist groups and of links to Riyadh's arch-rival Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.

Dutch brewing giant Heineken on Monday reported a 48.6 percent leap in first half profits, with beer sales boosted by warm weather in Europe and its new zero alcohol brand.

Europe's economic recovery is strengthening with unemployment in the eurozone dropping in June to its lowest since February 2009, according to official figures released on Monday.

Japanese megabank MUFG says Amsterdam and Paris are favorites to be the new European base for its securities operations, officials said Monday, as the firm prepares for Brexit. 

Oil prices surged Monday to build on last week's rally as the dollar clawed back losses following concerns over gridlock in Washington and renewed tensions on the Korean peninsula.  

Both main crude contracts made strong gains, with WTI testing $50 a barrel for the first time since late May and Brent heading towards $53, while mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto saw their share price rise as commodities strengthened.

HSBC said profits were up Monday in the first half of the year in what it called an "excellent" result after a turbulent 2016.

U.S. coffee chain Starbucks has announced it will take full control of its mainland China outlets in a $1.3 billion deal, the largest single acquisition in the company's history.