Germany’s industrial slump worsened at the start of 2019, dragging the euro-area economy into its worst performance in more than five years.

German business sentiment fell to its weakest level in almost three years as trade uncertainties and waning growth in China amplified concerns over the economic outlook.

Stocks closed mostly higher as a rally in semiconductor shares helped temper concern the U.S. and China may be further from a trade resolution than investors had hoped. Treasury bonds remained a refuge and the dollar resumed its rally.

SINGAPORE (AP) — World markets mostly rose Thursday as investors awaited comments from European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on the economic outlook.KEEPING SCORE: Germany's DAX gained 0.5 percent to 11,130 and the CAC 40...

For the first time in a decade, European Central Bank officials are looking at a slowing economy without plans to increase stimulus.

Stocks closed higher after whipsawing investors through the day amid the ongoing debate over the outlook for global growth. The dollar’s six-day rally stalled and crude oil dropped after an earlier increase.