Reuters

(Reuters) - Global central banks are starting to break away from the pack as rate cuts roll out across Europe while borrowing costs in the U.S. may stay higher for longer, which is lifting the dollar.

A key test of U.S. inflation is at the heart of the data calendar and could be the deciding factor in the near-term direction for markets.

Here is your look at what's happening in markets this coming week from Rae Wee in Singapore, Ira... (continue reading...)

By Angelo Amante and Giuseppe Fonte

ROME (Reuters) - Governments have to implement "serious and effective" policies in favour of families to tackle the issues of falling birth rates and aging populations, Pope Francis said on Friday, urging young people to have confidence in the future.

Speaking at a conference on the growing demographic crisis, Pope Francis said the number of births was the first indicator of "a people's hope", and... (continue reading...)

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain, Ireland and other European Union member countries plan to recognise a Palestinian state on May 21, the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said late on Thursday ahead of an expected U.N. vote on Friday on a Palestinian bid to become a full member.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in March that Spain and Ireland, along with Slovenia and Malta, had agreed to take the first steps towards recognition of a... (continue reading...)

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The main United Nations aid agency for Palestinians closed its headquarters in East Jerusalem after local Israeli residents set fire to areas at the edge of the sprawling compound, the agency said.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNWRA, said in a post on the social media platform X that he had decided to close the compound until proper security was restored. He said Thursday's incident was the second in less than a week.

TAIPEI (Reuters) -A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan's east coast on Friday, the island's weather administration said, with no immediate reports of damage.

The earthquake shook buildings in the capital, Taipei. The quake, off the coast of Hualien county, had a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), the weather administration said.

Taiwan has been hit by around 1,400 aftershocks since a 7.2 magnitude quake struck Hualien last month, killing 17... (continue reading...)