European stock markets and the euro climbed on Thursday awaiting a key policy update from the ECB, with focus also on the auto sector as the collapse of Fiat Chrysler's proposed merger with Renault sent shares in the French car giant tumbling.

Russia opened its showcase annual economic forum on Thursday, seeking to reassure foreign investors who have been shaken by recent arrests and slowing growth. 

Dubbed the "Russian Davos" when the economy was booming, the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum is hosted by President Vladimir Putin and this year comes amid an ongoing crisis with the West.

Stock markets rose Wednesday, following an overnight rally on Wall Street triggered by Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell indicating greater openness to lowering U.S. interest rates, helping to ease trade war growth worries.

The European Commission formally put Italy on notice Wednesday for its deteriorating deficit and huge debt, re-opening a battle with populist-led Rome.

German high-end car giant BMW and British group Jaguar Land Rover announced Wednesday they are teaming up to develop a new generation of electric motors.

A plant in northern France that makes a quarter of the world's Nutella has been blockaded for a week by workers striking for more pay, unions said Monday, in troubling news for consumers of the cocoa and hazelnut spread.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has officially launched the $8 billion construction of a controversial oil refinery that experts say is likely to blowout in cost.

High street makeup powerhouse Sephora has announced it will close all its U.S. stores, distribution centres and corporate office for employee training after a racial profiling incident involving Grammy-nominated singer SZA.

Huawei will sell its majority share in a submarine cable unit, the stake's buyer announced Monday, amid a US-led drive to isolate the Chinese telecom giant from global information networks over spying fears.

Stock markets fell further on Monday but oil recovered, with investors opting for haven assets such as the yen amid intensifying trade tensions.