1. South Korea's GDP unexpectedly contracted 0.2% in the first quarter as exports and consumption stalled.

2. Vietnam's trade minister spoke to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer by phone on Wednesday, kicking off trade talks as whopping 46% US tariffs loom.

3. Thai finance minister said Thailand may need at least $15 billion for economic stimulus measures to address the impact of US tariffs.

4. US, Ukrainian and European officials meet in London to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine but chances of any breakthrough look slim after most foreign ministers pulled out despite US pressure for a deal.

5. Donald Trump signed an order to improve job training for skilled trades, an initiative twinned with tariffs in his gambit to revive US manufacturing.