China–United States trade war The U.S. Department of the Treasury de-lists China as a currency manipulator. (Reuters)
Microsoft officially ends support for the Windows 7 operating system. Microsoft says its Windows 7 users can still use their computers, but warns they will be at "greater risk for viruses and malware". (CNN Business)
In India, economic slowdown has adversely impacted employment generation in the country, as nearly 1,600,000 fewer jobs are projected to be created in FY20 compared to 8,970,000 fresh jobs in FY19. (The Economic Times)
Gold Fields Ltd, a South African mining company, has hired an investment bank, RBC Capital Markets, to help it sell 30% of its gold project in northern Chile. (Reuters)
The NFL's Oakland Raiders officially relocate to Las Vegas, and are now known as the Las Vegas Raiders. (Business Insider) (USA Today)
COVID-19 pandemic The death toll from the new coronavirus rises to 25 and 830 confirmed cases in China as four more Chinese cities, Huanggang, Ezhou, Chibi and Zhijiang are to be placed under quarantine. The total number of people under quarantine is now over 20 million people. (BBC News) (Business Insider) COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore Singapore confirms its first case of new coronavirus, a 66-year-old Chinese man from Wuhan who was travelling with his family. (Channel NewsAsia)
Malaysian agriculture giant FGV Holdings Berhad announces it will increase its sugar imports from India from 88,000 tonnes to 133,000 in an attempt to resolve the palm oil trade dispute between the two nations. (Reuters)
The death toll from the new coronavirus rises to 25 and 830 confirmed cases in China as four more Chinese cities, Huanggang, Ezhou, Chibi and Zhijiang are to be placed under quarantine. The total number of people under quarantine is now over 20 million people. (BBC News) (Business Insider)
Indonesia agrees to increase its imports of buffalo meat, automobiles, and sugar from India in exchange for an increase in imports of Indonesian-produced palm oil, amid a growing trade dispute between India and Malaysia. (Times of India) (Yahoo! Finance)
Israel blocks all Palestinian export of agricultural products from the occupied West Bank following Palestinian limitations on imports of Israeli cattle. (Al Jazeera) (Haaretz)
Israel–Palestine relations Israel blocks all Palestinian export of agricultural products from the occupied West Bank following Palestinian limitations on imports of Israeli cattle. (Al Jazeera) (Haaretz)
Storm Ciara Winds gusting up to 100 miles per hour have been recorded over much of the United Kingdom and Ireland, causing widespread damage and disruption. (BBC News) Thousands of homes and businesses have been flooded across northern England after Storm Ciara brought sustained heavy rainfall to the region. Worst affected were the Calder Valley settlements of Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd in Yorkshire. (BBC News) A man in Hampshire was killed when a tree fell onto his car on the A33 road as a result of high winds. (BBC News)
Thousands of homes and businesses have been flooded across northern England after Storm Ciara brought sustained heavy rainfall to the region. Worst affected were the Calder Valley settlements of Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd in Yorkshire. (BBC News)
Softbank, the Japanese venture capital giant, announced fourth quarter results. They were dismal, due especially to Softbank's losses on its Vision Fund. (Reuters)
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights publishes a list of 112 companies linked to activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. (BBC News) (Al Jazeera)
Canadian airplane manufacturer Bombardier sells its remaining stake in the A220 model, previously called the C-Series, to France's Airbus, effectively closing its commercial aviation line of business. (CBC)
Cannabis in the United Kingdom The Food Standards Agency gives producers of Cannabidiol-related products until March 2021 to register their goods, or they will be pulled from the market. (BBC News)
The Food Standards Agency gives producers of Cannabidiol-related products until March 2021 to register their goods, or they will be pulled from the market. (BBC News)
General Motors pulls out of right-hand drive markets, ending the Holden brand in Australia. (9 News)
Morgan Stanley purchases electronic trading firm E-Trade for US$13 billion, in the largest banking deal since the 2008 financial crisis. (The Guardian)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The Dow Jones Industrial Average enters correction territory after plunging 700 points at opening. (USA Today) Markets are on pace for their worst week since the 2008 financial crisis. (Market Watch)
Markets are on pace for their worst week since the 2008 financial crisis. (Market Watch)
Global stock markets have lost US$6 trillion in value over the last six days. (CNBC)
The ITB Berlin, the world's largest tourism trade fair, is cancelled after authorities imposed the restriction that each participant would have to prove they are not a risk. (ITB Berlin)
The United Kingdom and the European Union start post-Brexit trade talks. Last week, each side publicly set its negotiating mandate. (The Economist) (The Irish Times)
British airline Flybe collapses into administration with the loss of 2,000 jobs after failing to secure financial support. The airline says the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is partly to blame for its collapse. Flybe provided more than half of UK domestic flights outside London. (BBC News)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic British airline Flybe collapses into administration with the loss of 2,000 jobs after failing to secure financial support. The airline says the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is partly to blame for its collapse. Flybe provided more than half of UK domestic flights outside London. (BBC News) The Dow Jones Industrial Average drops again almost 1,000 points over coronavirus fears. (Fox Business)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average drops again almost 1,000 points over coronavirus fears. (Fox Business)
Black Monday, 2020 Russia–Saudi Arabia oil price war Oil prices plummet after Saudi Arabia cut its official selling prices over the weekend. (CNN) Before markets open, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures posted a 1,300-point drop due to the coronavirus and a fall in the price of oil. The drop would be the most points the Dow has dropped in a single day. (NBC News) (NBC News) The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummets 1,800 points on opening, 500 points lower than pre-market futures trading. (MSNBC)
Riots continue at several prisons in Italy after family visitations were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Inmates took two prison guards hostage in Modena during an attempted escape, while inmates at San Vittore Prison in Milan overpowered guards and occupied the roof. Prisons in Pavia and Rebibbia are set on fire, allowing some prisoners to escape. (Business Insider)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummets 1,800 points on opening, 500 points lower than pre-market futures trading. (MSNBC)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunges 1,400 points and enters a bear market. (Fox News)
Black Thursday, economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic All three major United States trading indexes fall 7% during early trading, leading to a 15-minute trading halt. They all closed over 9% down. (Business Insider) The Dow Jones Industrial Average falls by 10%, the largest one-day percentage drop since Black Monday in 1987. (CNBC) Spain's IBEX 35 falls 14%, its worst drop in history in a single day. The UK FTSE falls by 11%, the German DAX and French CAC 40 by 12% and Italy's MIB by 17%. (El Comercio)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States In an emergency move, less than two weeks after the previous unscheduled intervention, the Fed drops its benchmark rate a full percentage point. It announces a $700 billion quantitative easing program, sets reserve requirements for thousands of banks to zero and lowers other lending rates. The set of measures appears as its biggest ever in a single day. (CNBC)
In an emergency move, less than two weeks after the previous unscheduled intervention, the Fed drops its benchmark rate a full percentage point. It announces a $700 billion quantitative easing program, sets reserve requirements for thousands of banks to zero and lowers other lending rates. The set of measures appears as its biggest ever in a single day. (CNBC)
Spain's Ministry of Health reports 2,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 105 more deaths, as the country enters a nationwide lockdown. (Business Recorder)
Asian markets fall substantially and European markets open with huge losses. S&P futures fall 5%, triggering a trading halt in response to the Federal Reserve's emergency measures. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, 2020 stock market crash Asian markets fall substantially and European markets open with huge losses. S&P futures fall 5%, triggering a trading halt in response to the Federal Reserve's emergency measures. (ABC News) The Dow closes 2,997 points or 12.9% lower - its largest daily points movement. (AP via Mercury News)
The governors of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington, and mayors of cities in other states, order the closure of all bars and restaurants and ban gatherings of 50 or more people in their states or cities in response to the pandemic. (CNBC) (WJBK) (Business Insider)
British multinational electrical and telecommunications retailer Dixons Carphone says it is closing all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK, with the loss of 2,900 jobs, as part of a company restructuring. The closures are not believed to be related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters)
2020 coronavirus pandemic in Australia A 37-year-old Woolworths employee is stabbed by a 25-year-old man in Rosebud, Victoria. The crime is believed to be related to mass panic buying across Australian supermarkets that has seen cases of violence between shoppers and staff members. (News.com.au)
A 37-year-old Woolworths employee is stabbed by a 25-year-old man in Rosebud, Victoria. The crime is believed to be related to mass panic buying across Australian supermarkets that has seen cases of violence between shoppers and staff members. (News.com.au)
Unemployment in the United States could reach 20 percent if sufficient action is not taken in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warns. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in New York, COVID-19 pandemic in Washington COVID-19 cases in Washington exceed 1,000. (Fox News) The U.S. Navy will deploy a hospital ship to New York City to aid in the response to COVID-19. (Business Insider) A hospital ship will be deployed to the coast of Washington state by the U.S. Navy to assist in the response to COVID-19. (NPR)
According to an article published by the ProPublica, Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina, Kelly Loeffler of Georgia, Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, and Dianne Feinstein of California sold their stocks before the stock market crash. (Fox News) (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf orders all non-life-sustaining businesses in the state to close physical locations to slow the spread of the coronavirus. (WGAL) The first COVID-19 death in Pennsylvania is reported, an adult from Northampton County. He was being treated at a hospital prior to his death. There were no specific details released on the patient or his health prior to contracting the virus. (WGAL)
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he does not plan on ordering business to close or shutting down public events amid the coronavirus pandemic. (WJXT)
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf orders all non-life-sustaining businesses in the state to close physical locations to slow the spread of the coronavirus. (WGAL)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Economy of China, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China resumes construction of its infrastructure to help ease the economic impact of COVID-19. (The Star)
Economy of China, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China resumes construction of its infrastructure to help ease the economic impact of COVID-19. (The Star)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana Eight people are arrested at a market in Ashaiman for violating restrictions while disinfection on the market began. (GhanaWeb)
COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker orders all businesses and organizations not providing essential services to close until April 7, effective at noon on Tuesday. Baker states that he is not issuing a stay-at-home order, saying it "doesn't make sense from a public health point of view", but has directed the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory, limiting public gatherings to 10 people or less. (WBUR-FM)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto Mayor of Toronto John Tory declares a state of emergency for the city of Toronto. (CFTO-DT) Premier Doug Ford announces that non-essential businesses in Ontario are to be shut down for at least two weeks. (National Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec Premier François Legault announces that non-essential businesses in Quebec are to be shut down for three weeks. (National Post)
Eight people are arrested at a market in Ashaiman for violating restrictions while disinfection on the market began. (GhanaWeb)
Governor Charlie Baker orders all businesses and organizations not providing essential services to close until April 7, effective at noon on Tuesday. Baker states that he is not issuing a stay-at-home order, saying it "doesn't make sense from a public health point of view", but has directed the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory, limiting public gatherings to 10 people or less. (WBUR-FM)
Premier Doug Ford announces that non-essential businesses in Ontario are to be shut down for at least two weeks. (National Post)
Premier François Legault announces that non-essential businesses in Quebec are to be shut down for three weeks. (National Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in India India goes under a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic. (BBC News) COVID-19 pandemic in the Palestinian territories Palestine reports its first death from COVID-19 in the West Bank, the patient was a woman in her 60s. (The New Arab)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Palestinian territories Palestine reports its first death from COVID-19 in the West Bank, the patient was a woman in her 60s. (The New Arab)
Palestine reports its first death from COVID-19 in the West Bank, the patient was a woman in her 60s. (The New Arab)
COVID-19 pandemic in New York New York Governor Andrew Cuomo extends the stay-at-home order for non-essential workers to April 15. (Business Insider)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in New York New York Governor Andrew Cuomo extends the stay-at-home order for non-essential workers to April 15. (Business Insider)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States USA Rugby files for chapter 11 bankruptcy citing "insurmountable financial constraints" amid the coronavirus pandemic. (The Guardian)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports COVID-19 pandemic in the United States USA Rugby files for chapter 11 bankruptcy citing "insurmountable financial constraints" amid the coronavirus pandemic. (The Guardian)
USA Rugby files for chapter 11 bankruptcy citing "insurmountable financial constraints" amid the coronavirus pandemic. (The Guardian)
Whiting Petroleum Corporation declares bankruptcy. Whiting was once the largest oil producer in the Bakken shale region. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain records its deadliest day with 950 deaths, exceeding 10,000, as employment falls by 834,000 jobs in 15 days. (El Periódico) (La Vanguardia)
Spain records its deadliest day with 950 deaths, exceeding 10,000, as employment falls by 834,000 jobs in 15 days. (El Periódico) (La Vanguardia)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Dominican Republic The World Bank releases US$150 million to support the Dominican Republic's efforts to contain COVID-19. (Dominican Today)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Europe Ford Motor Company extends the suspension of vehicle and engine production at most of its manufacturing sites in Europe to May 4 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in the Dominican Republic The World Bank releases US$150 million to support the Dominican Republic's efforts to contain COVID-19. (Dominican Today)
The World Bank releases US$150 million to support the Dominican Republic's efforts to contain COVID-19. (Dominican Today)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 Russia–Saudi Arabia oil price war OPEC+ holds an emergency meeting to try to agree on output cuts due to decreased demand for oil due to the coronavirus pandemic. Russia says it has "no plans to discuss oil markets with the leadership of Saudi Arabia or the U.S. on Thursday". (CNBC)
OPEC+ holds an emergency meeting to try to agree on output cuts due to decreased demand for oil due to the coronavirus pandemic. Russia says it has "no plans to discuss oil markets with the leadership of Saudi Arabia or the U.S. on Thursday". (CNBC)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The Walt Disney Company reports it is entering a US$5 billion unsecured credit agreement, possibly to make up for shortfalls in its theme park division. Citibank, N.A. is the main broker of the deal. (Reuters)
