KUALA LUMPUR (April 22): The FBM KLCI closed up 0.16 point at 1,381.89 today after erasing losses with Asian share indices as investors weighed the economic impact of crude oil prices at below US$20 a barrel and as nations contend with the Covid-19 pandemic. Rubber glove manufacturers' share prices rose against such sentiment.

KUALA LUMPUR (April 22): Some investors were seen to be taking profits on rubber glove stocks yesterday and the selling continued this morning, in view of the spikes in these counters to multi-year highs amid the Covid-19 outbreak, which drove the demand for rubber gloves.

BANGKOK (Xinhua): The Rubber Authority of Thailand on Tuesday (April 21) said that the Covid-19 pandemic has given Thai rubber exports a major boost from higher global demand for rubber gloves in the medical industry.

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Asian share markets were set to tumble on Wednesday as the floor fell out from under U.S. crude prices, exposing the deep damage the coronavirus pandemic has had on global economic demand.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar and yen held broad gains on Wednesday, as a bounce in oil prices failed to calm market nerves, with the week’s rout and frail fuel demand underlining a grim outlook for the global economy.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Oil prices found some respite on Wednesday as U.S. oil futures rose more than 20% and Brent prices steadied after a two-day price plunge, as markets struggle with a massive crude glut amid the coronavirus outbreak.