* World economy set for weakest near-term growth since 1990, IMF chief predicts
* China’s Xi Jinping willing to speak to Ukraine’s Zelenskyy, says EU chief
* Brazilian President urges Ukraine to give up Crimea to Russia
* China’s economy recovering slower than expected, say Citi analysts
* Trailing US equity premium falls to lowest level since 2007
* US home prices starting to lag inflation, reversing trend in recent years
* Job cuts in US up 15% in March and surge 319% vs. year-ago level
* US jobless claims revised up, reflecting higher layoffs than initially reported
* Global economic growth accelerates in March, according to PMI survey data:
