It's been a rollercoaster 24 hours on global stock markets, with huge swings on Wall Street and volatility hitting its highest level since October 2020. Investors are waiting for the decision from the US Federal Reserve on when it will start raising interest rates, but are also concerned about the rising tensions at Ukraine's border. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has slumped as low as $33,000, down over 50 percent from its peak in November. Our Business Editor Stephen Carroll has the details.

Stock markets returned to calmer trading on Tuesday after a volatile day on Monday, when investors were spooked by a joke made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about an imminent Russian invasion. His spokesman later clarified that the comments were "ironic". Oil prices, meanwhile, remain close to their highest level in seven years over fears of potential disruption to supplies. Also today, we look at the latest pay talks between French workers and employers, as inflation continues to rise.

Russia's move to recognise the breakaway Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk has sent ripples through global markets on Tuesday, with falls across Asia, and in early trading in Europe. Oil prices also jumped, with the international benchmark Brent Crude hitting its highest level since mid-2014. Investors are now focusing on which sanctions the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union might impose on Russia in response.

The war in Ukraine has provoked a massive humanitarian and economic crisis. The International Monetary Fund unblocked 1.4 billion dollars in emergency aid for Kyiv this week - and says it's ready to help neighbouring countries that request further assistance. The IMF's First Deputy Managing Director, Gita Gopinath, has been speaking to France 24's Kate Moody about the need for financing, the impact on regional and emerging economies, and how the global economy might change.

Ukraine war will have 'lasting consequences on global economy': IMF. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a massive humanitarian and economic crisis. Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, tells France 24 the war will also have 'lasting consequences on the global economy.'

Stock markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong slumped on Tuesday, as investors fear the impact of the latest Covid-19 lockdowns on China's economy. Nearly 30 million people are now living under restrictions in the country, including in the technology manufacturing hub of Shenzen. Also today, Volkswagen has suspended production of vehicles at some plants in Germany over a shortage of parts that are supplied from Ukraine.

Stock markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong slumped on Tuesday, as investors fear the impact of the latest Covid-19 lockdowns on China's economy. Nearly 30 million people are now living under restrictions in the country, including in the technology manufacturing hub of Shenzen. Also today, Volkswagen has suspended production of vehicles at some plants in Germany over a shortage of parts that are supplied from Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has wreaked havoc on the global economy as the world reels from high energy and metal prices. As the war rages, DW looks at the fallout on commodity markets since the February 24 invasion.

The negative economic effects from Russia's invasion of Ukraine will significantly hurt global growth, the IMF has said. Increasing food and fuel prices have raised the prospect of unrest in poorer countries.

Ghana is committed to managing its debt without assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said, expressing his confidence that government measures were moving the country in the right direction.

Cryptocurrency markets are in turmoil as so-called stablecoins, designed to be protected from extreme volatility, have tumbled in recent days. One such token, Luna, has all but evaporated, plunging from a high of $118 last month to less than one cent. Plus, the airline industry is struggling with staff shortages ahead of the summer holiday season – we find out why.

The world is facing its worst food crisis in history. Millions of tonnes of wheat are stuck in Ukraine, worsening an already precarious situation for many countries that depend on exports from the region. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva tells FRANCE 24 Business Editor Kate Moody that only "very strong international mobilisation" will save the lives of millions of people. Also in our update from Davos: EU member states move towards an embargo on Russian oil, but with no consensus on the timeline.