The UK economy returned to growth in November, after the contraction seen in the prior month, but economic activity in the fourth quarter remains subdued, piling the pressure on the Bank of England to ease monetary policy further in 2025.

Japan's annual wholesale inflation held steady at 3.8% in December on stubbornly high food costs, data showed on Thursday, highlighting persistent price pressures that may prod the central bank to raise interest rates next week.

 The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased more than expected last week, but remained at levels consistent with a healthy labor market. 

US retail sales increased at a slower-than-anticipated month-on-month rate in December, in the latest data point that could paint a picture of the state of the American economy heading into the new year.

J.P.Morgan estimated spending on data centers could contribute between 10-20 basis points to U.S. economic growth in 2025-2026 as technology companies race to benefit from the artificial intelligence boom.

U.S. retail sales increased in December as households bought motor vehicles and a range of other goods, pointing to strong demand in the economy and further reinforcing the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to cutting interest rates this year.