Jordan defeats Tajikistan to reach first Asian Cup semi-final

China economic slowdown to continue for the next four years, says IMF

• The world's second-largest economy last year saw some of its slowest growth in decades
• A debt crisis in the property sector added to geopolitical tensions and weakening global demand.

Spain urges WTO meet in UAE to address de-globalization

• The ministerial meeting (MC13) will convene representatives of 164 nations and trading blocs.
• MC13 will seek key reforms to the global trading system, including expanding WTO membership .

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund posts record US$213bn profit

• Fueled by revenues from Norway's state-owned oil and gas companies, the fund is aimed at financing future spending in the generous welfare state
• Around 71 percent of its portfolio was dedicated to equities, with stakes in 8,859 companies worldwide -- or 1.5 percent of all listed stocks

UPS says will cut 12,000 jobs

• Three-quarters of the reductions are set to come in the first half, UPS CEO said.
• The decision comes after UPS reported Q4 2023 revenues of US$24.9 billion.

Residents of Gaza lament suspension of UN agency funding

• Several countries, including the United States, France, Britain, Germany and Japan, have announced the suspension of further funding to the agency.
• In Rafah, where 1.5 million displaced people have taken refuge, Gazans said that the support they received from the agency amounted to a lifeline.

UN chief calls for continuity in aid as battle rages in Gaza

• The Israeli army said special forces were continuing to engage in "intensive battles" in Gaza's main southern city of Khan Yunis.
• UNRWA said it had fired several employees over Israel's accusations of its staff

Australia, Canada stop UN agency funding after Israeli allegations

• "We are speaking with partners and will temporarily pause disbursement of recent funding," Australian Foreign Minister wrote on social media platform X.
• Canada's International Development Minister announced that Ottawa had “temporarily paused any additional funding to UNRWA”.

UAE plans to issue bonds, Sukuk valued at $1.3bn in Q1 2024, says official

• The Islamic Treasury Sukuk launched in 2023 and valued at US$299 million experienced robust demand, with bids received worth US$2.2 billion.
• The UAE is Hong Kong's largest trading partner in Middle East, with non-oil trade reaching $6 billion (AED22.2 billion) in the first half of 2022.

Yemen-based Houthis fire missiles at ships in Red Sea, says US

• One missile missed its target and a US Navy destroyer shot down the other two, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.
• The continuing Houthi action "means we're obviously still going to have to do what we have to do to protect that shipping," he said.