European stock markets have started the month in the red, after global shares had their worst three months since the financial crisis. The massive sell-off began around six weeks ago as investors tried to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic. As we enter a new quarter, there is no sign of improvement - stocks in Europe slumped by over 3 percent in trading this Wednesday. Also today, we discuss new figures showing that online sales have fallen for many French retailers since the lockdown began in the country.

BUSINESS DAILY

Stock markets continue slide after worst quarter since 2008

The World Bank has warned that almost 24 million more people will remain in poverty this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. In its latest economic forecast, the Bank warned that developing economies in Asia will see sharply lower growth this year, as "significant economic pain" seems unavoidable. Also today, New York's Attorney General has called for an investigation after Amazon sacked a worker in New York who organised a walkout over sanitary conditions at a warehouse in Staten Island.

World Bank warns coronavirus will increase poverty risk

A massive stimulus plan announced by Donald Trump lifted US markets, but the rally was short-lived. Asian and European stocks tumbled as investors weighed how effective the measures would be. Despite several stimulus plans being announced, markets remain highly volatile due to the coronavirus pandemic. With cities on lockdown and many expecting to see reduced working hours or possible layoffs, the global health crisis is also weighing on consumer appetite. European car sales slumped for a second consecutive month, with new vehicle registrations falling 7.4 percent in the EU. 

Coronavirus uncertainty weighs on stock markets despite stimulus plans

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has admitted that the government expects GDP to contract 1 percent this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, as he announced aid measures worth €45 billion to help businesses weather the crisis. All sectors of the global economy have been hit but the travel, tourism and airline sectors are bearing the brunt, with carriers now bracing for bankruptcies.

France announces €45 billion aid package to help businesses fight pandemic

Global stocks plunged again on Monday, despite the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates to near-zero and launching a coordinated effort with other central banks to pump more liquidity into the global economy to curb the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Eurozone finance ministers are also discussing possible joint measures via a video conference. These will likely include relaxing the bloc's budget rules to allow governments to increase spending to help businesses. 

Global stocks tumble on coronavirus fears despite central banks' measures

European markets started trading in positive territory after suffering their worst one-day decline in decades on Thursday. However, Asian shares remained in the red as fears that the coronavirus pandemic will trigger a global recession deepened. Tokyo's Nikkei dropped as much as 10 percent in early trading before finishing the day down 6 percent. Central banks and governments have taken steps to limit the economic impact of the crisis, but French President Emmanuel Macron says not enough has been done and is calling for concerted efforts.

European stock markets rebound after worst day since 1987 Black Monday

Global markets plunged on Thursday, with many marking their worst session in decades. Investors panicked over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and what many see as the underwhelming response from governments and central banks. Ranko Berich, Head of Market Analysis at Monex Europe, gives us his insight into 'Black Thursday.' 

Global markets melt down over coronavirus fears, stimulus disappointment

European and Asian shares plunged again on Thursday after the United States announced restrictions on people travelling from 26 European countries amid coronavirus fears. Airlines and hotel companies were among the worst hit. Also today, we look at how French shoppers are turning to delivery and collection services to avoid going to crowded supermarkets.

Global markets slump again over US travel restrictions

Governments and businesses around the world are scrambling to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The World Economic Forum has launched a new platform to help coordinate the needs and ideas of the private sector. Arnaud Bernaert, WEF's Head of Global Health and Healthcare, explains how the measure could limit economic damage and protect jobs. Also in the show - global markets continue to drop as the outbreak spreads, and the US considers pushing back its tax deadline to ease the burden on American consumers. 

World Economic Forum to coordinate business response to virus

The Bank of England has cut its key interest rate to 0.25 percent as it tries to support the coronavirus-hit British economy. The announcement came as a surprise, and just ahead of the government unveiling a budget which is also expected to include stimulus measures. Also today, we look at how major French companies are planning ahead to deal with infections or quarantines of staff.

Bank of England slashes interest rates to boost coronavirus-hit British economy

Wall Street rallied a day after its worst trading session since the financial crisis, as investors welcomed the prospect of stimulus measures to limit the effect of the coronavirus outbreak. Mickey Levy, chief economist for the US and Asia at Berenberg in New York, says the measures are likely to be temporary, but necessary in the short-term. Also in the show - how is the aviation industry dealing with the virus? 

Wall Street rallies after 'Black Monday' coronavirus sell-off

Crude markets regain a small measure of their losses after oil's worst day since 1991. Also, Donald Trump proposes a payroll tax cut as he promises "major steps" to protect the US economy from the effects of coronavirus. FRANCE 24's Business Editor Stephen Carroll reports from the Paris stock exchange as European indexes struggle to find their feet after Monday's huge global sell-off.

Global markets lick 'Black Monday' wounds

A crash in crude oil prices spreads to the stock markets, in what analysts are calling "Black Monday" - with some of the worst drops since the 2008 financial crisis as Saudi Arabia announces production hikes and price cuts amid a dispute with OPEC+ ally Russia. Meanwhile, coronavirus fears also take a major bite out of the global tourism industry as travellers stay home and an increasing number of countries restrict access to major destinations. 

Global markets tank amid Saudi-Russia oil price war

Global stocks have tumbled again and are looking set to cap an extremely volatile trading week in the red. Markets have been on a wild ride with big ups and downs as policymakers scramble to curtail the economic impact of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond has hit an all-time low as traders turn to safer investments. With travel cancellations and supply chain disruptions, the oil market has also been under pressure. OPEC is hoping Russia will agree to deeper supply cuts. 

Coronavirus: Market jitters continue as fears outweigh reassurances from policymakers

Home delivery services in South Korea have seen a boom in orders as more people choose to avoid public places due to the coronavirus outbreak. Also, Wall Street has led a recovery on global stock markets, boosted by US government measures to combat the economic consequences of the virus, as well as the success of Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries.

Delivery services see boom in orders due to coronavirus

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