World stocks were set to close their worst quarter since 2008, down more than 20%, while much of the world locked down to fight the coronavirus.
More and more governments have tightened lockdowns and now are planning further actions to support the already damaged global economy.
Virus fears about the economic damage returned to the forefront as the USA overtakes China as the country with the most infections.
Nerves over US jobs data outweighed a $2 trillion US stimulus package amid the coronavirus pandemic which was welcomed by investors.
Business activity collapsed worldwide at a record pace in March as measures to contain the pandemic hit the global economy leading to a deep global recession.