Food delivery companies Just Eat and Takeaway.com reported strong order growth for the first half of 2019, as they gear up for their planned €9bn merger announced earlier this week.

Uber shares fell as much as 10%, doubling losses since its poorly received Wall Street debut last week, and raising more questions about investors’ faith in its ability to make profits.

Investors gave their backing to online delivery firm Just Eat’s global growth drive, sending its shares higher even though new investments in Brazil and Mexico will weigh on earnings.

Ride-hailing giant Uber is to sell its business in Southeast Asia to regional rival Grab in a move that signals another international retreat for the US firm.

McDonald’s Japan has hit a growth stride after recovering from a series of food scandals and plans to boost profit further by expanding food delivery and adding new burgers to its menu.