WASHINGTON -- One of the key lessons from the Chinese experience so far is that it is important for macroeconomic policy to focus on mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 shock and supporting the recovery, said an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official.

"In China, we are seeing a strong fiscal effort focused on helping vulnerable households and small firms most affected by the outbreak while monetary policy remains very accommodative," Helge Berger, the IMF's China mission chief and assistant director in the Asia and Pacific Department, told Xinhua in a recent email interview. (IMF-China-COVID 19)

- - - -

TOKYO -- Tokyo stocks ended a day of choppy trade higher Monday, as investors bought back shares undervalued following recent routs, on confidence the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is more likely to be postponed than cancelled amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 334.95 points, or 2.02 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 16,887.78. (Japan-Tokyo-Stocks)

- - - -

SYDNEY -- The Australian share market plunged 5.6 percent as businesses shut and borders close in a bid to slow the spread of the COVID-19.

At the market close the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was down 270.60 points or 5.62 percent at 4546.00, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 290.20 or 5.98 percent at 4564.10. (Australia-Market) Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)