Virus outbreaks at Thai factories threaten export sector, recovery

A series of coronavirus outbreaks in Thai factories is raising concerns that the export sector could be hit hard, threatening to further undermine an economy as it struggles to recover from the pandemic’s crippling blow to the crucial tourism industry.
Saudi first quarter GDP shrinks 3%, hit by oil sector decline

Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product fell 3% in the first quarter, slightly less than official estimates and compared with a 1% contraction last year, as a sharp fall in the oil sector pulled back the economy, data showed.
EU hires banks for first recovery fund bond – lead managers

The European Union on Monday hired banks for a 10-year bond sale, the first to finance its recovery fund, according to two lead managers, a crucial step in financing the bloc’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
World stocks near record high as investors await dovish Fed act

Global shares held firm near record highs on Monday while U.S. bond yields flirted with three-month lows as investors expect the Federal Reserve to stick to its dovish mantra later this week.
What you need to know about the coronavirus right now

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now.
Oil prices rise as demand improves, supplies tighten

Oil prices rose on Monday, hitting their highest levels in more than two years supported by economic recovery and the prospect of fuel demand growth as vaccination campaigns in developed countries accelerate.
EXCLUSIVE IMF eyes new trust to provide aid to broader group of countries-Georgieva

The International Monetary Fund is exploring creation of a new trust that could allow its members to lend their IMF reserves to more countries, including middle-income countries vulnerable to climate change, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Sunday.
Bitcoin law is only latest head-turner by El Salvador’s ‘millennial’ president

The young president of small Central American nation El Salvador leapt to worldwide fame this week after his country became the first in the world to adopt bitcoin as legal tender, but Nayib Bukele is no stranger to controversy.
Analysis: Remittance firms slow to add bitcoin, despite El Salvador move

El Salvador may be touting bitcoin’s use to help its citizens living abroad send funds back home, but the biggest remittance firms are cautious about offering cryptocurrency services.
3 ways Asia can inspire learning through skills, tech, artificial intelligence

Developing world that it will displace human workers with automation and artificial intelligence (AI)