Unemployment in Germany hit a new record low in March, official data showed Friday, as Europe's largest economy continues to defy economic uncertainty with a strong performance.

The International Monetary Fund said Thursday it will discuss on April 3 whether to approve the next $1 billion loan payment for cash-strapped Ukraine after earlier postponing the decision.

"Consideration ... is being scheduled for April 3, 2017," Jerome Vacher, the IMF's representative in Ukraine, said in a statement. 

Swedish clothing giant Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) Thursday announced the launch of its eighth fashion brand as tough market conditions in the US and Central Europe hurt profits.

Asian markets turned negative Thursday following two days of gains, but energy firms were lifted by an oil rally while the pound held up after Britain formally triggered talks to leave the European Union.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is credited with pulling the economy back from the brink, but less than two months before his re-election bid, has he done enough to convince voters?

European and Asian stock markets mostly rose Wednesday but gains were tempered by caution as Britain readies to trigger Brexit, dealers said.

German automakers Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen will recall nearly one million vehicles in China, according to the country's quality regulator.

A senior official at a state-owned Turkish bank has been detained in the United States on charges of helping Iran violate US sanctions against the country, the bank said Wednesday.

Amazon purchased the Middle East's biggest online retailer Souq.com on Tuesday for an undisclosed amount, a day after a state-backed firm disclosed an $800 million counteroffer.

A joint statement described the purchase as expanding Amazon's influence into the Mideast as the chairman of the state-supported firm Emaar prepares to launch his own retail website in a country known more for its luxury malls than online shopping.

Saudi Arabia is to set up a $3 billion joint investment fund for Jordan, among 15 cooperation agreements signed by King Salman during a visit to Amman, state media said Tuesday.

Other agreements include measures to boost power generation, tackle worsening water shortages, and improve housing and health services, Jordan's official Petra news agency said.