Nikkei Dives 4.5% After US Stimulus Boost

Index volatility was constant at 48% down from a high of 60%.

Asian Markets up 6%-8% As New US Stimulus Package Announced

Following five days of negotiations, a $1.8 trillion package has been announced by US President Donald Trump and the US Senate (which includes $250bn of direct payments to individuals and families) sending Asian shares on the up.  The Nikkei 225 (which includes companies like Nissan and Panasonic) was up 8% in a day to 19,546. The Kospi (which includes Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix) was up 5.9%. India's Nifty 50 is up 6.6%.

Bill Gates Steps Down from Microsoft's Board

Bill Gates will focus on health and development, education and tackling climate change. He steps away from Microsoft's board and Berkshire Hathaway, having already stepped back from day to day operations at Microsoft in 2008.

UK Cuts Rates to 0.25%

The UK cuts rates from 0.75% to 0.25% (lowest level in history). Further measures are expected to be announced in the Budget.

RBA then Fed Cuts Rates in Bid to Provide Stimulus in Wake of Coronavirus

The Fed has lowered its benchmark rate by 50 bps to provide a "meaningful boost" to the economy, in words of Chair Jerome Powell. US President Donald Trump has tweeted support and called for "more easing and cutting". The Fed's last emergency rate cut was in 2008. Australia and Malaysia have also cut rates, with the RBA declaring a 25bp rate cut to 0.50 percent, and saying "The Board is prepared to ease monetary policy further to support the Australian economy".