China wrapped negotiations with the EU on an important investment deal and talked up hopes for more, less than a month before Joe Biden is set to take office.
The dollar held gains against a basket of major currencies on Thursday as escalating coronavirus cases in Europe stoked investor fears that fresh lockdowns would further hit the already fragile economic recovery.
Gold prices fell to a one-month low, extending the previous session's sharp slide as the dollar remained the preferred refuge from risks due to mounting COVID-19 cases ahead of the U.S. Presidential election.
Germany's coronavirus infection rate has edged up, prompting the head of the country's infectious diseases institute to urge people to stay at home as much as possible amid a relaxation of lockdown measures.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the end of the coronavirus pandemic is not yet in sight and that we will have to live with the virus "for a long time."
Politicians in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government on Sunday signaled further support for struggling businesses and consumers in the coronavirus crisis, focusing on hotels, restaurants and pay for short-time workers.
U.S. stock futures hit their 5% "limit down" overnight as a massive coronavirus funding package failed a key Senate procedural vote. But futures then moved higher Monday on a new Fed pledge.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson brought up old allegations that the U.S. spied on Germany leader Angela Merkel to accuse Washington of hypocrisy over its claims that Huawei is untrustworthy.
Germany's coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has said it could quit the governing alliance if Chancellor Angela Merkel is forced out of office.