Bitcoin rose Wednesday after undergoing an eagerly awaited adjustment that occurs every few years to limit the amount of the virtual currency on the market, building on a recent coronavirus-driven rally.

Britain's economy contracted two percent in the first three months of the year, rocked by fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, official data showed Wednesday.

The EU will present recommendations on Wednesday to save the summer season in Europe’s reeling tourism sector, which has been pounded by the coronavirus crisis.

Russia and India eased coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, despite facing upsurges in infections and expert warnings that the world could face a second wave epidemic. 

Energy giant Saudi Aramco on Tuesday reported a 25 percent slump in first-quarter net profits due to low oil prices, and said the coronavirus crisis will dampen demand and earnings in the year ahead.

The world's largest listed firm said it posted a net profit of 62.5 billion riyals ($16.66 billion) in the first three months of the year, compared to $22.2 billion a year earlier.

French economic activity plunged 27 percent in April compared with its expected trajectory before the coronavirus pandemic, the Bank of France said Tuesday.

Switzerland's central bank chief said in an interview published by Swiss media Sunday that the coronavirus crisis was costing the Swiss economy up to $17 billion each month.

The United States recorded its steepest job losses in history over the coronavirus pandemic as Europe moved to keep its borders shut for another month.

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Friday that previous estimates for the world economy to contract by three percent this year were too optimistic. 

Oil prices rose in Asian trade Friday and were set to end the week with strong gains on signs demand is returning as some governments ease tough coronavirus lockdowns.