World stocks steadied and oil prices eased in quiet trade on Monday as flight cancellations over Christmas revived concerns that the Omicron virus variant could slow down the economy heading into the new year.

BEIJING (Reuters) -China will roll out fiscal policies proactively next year to stabilise economic growth, the finance ministry said on Monday, vowing that the impact of the drive would be felt earlier than usual.

U.S. oil fell on Monday after airlines called off thousands of flights over the Christmas holidays amid surging COVID-19 cases, though Brent crude gained support from hopes that the Omicron variant will have limited impact on global demand.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Oil prices fell on Monday, with U.S. crude plunging more than a dollar, after airlines called off thousands of flights in the United States over the Christmas holidays amid surging COVID-19 infections.

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -The Chinese government will now require that domestic firms in certain sectors receive clearance from regulators before they can list outside mainland China.

China said on Monday that companies in sectors subject to Beijing's foreign investment restrictions must seek government approval for offshore listings.