Analysts showed optimism that the ongoing fourth-quarter (4Q) earnings season has got off to a firmer start, with the beat-to-miss ratio improving sharply from the previous two quarters.
Japan’s factory activity expanded at its fastest pace in just over four years in February, signalling strengthening momentum in the industrial sector alongside resilient demand at home and abroad, a private survey showed on Friday.
Most Asian stocks fell on Friday as growing uncertainty over U.S. interest rates and heightened geopolitical tensions in Iran saw traders steer clear of risk-driven assets.
U.S. economic growth likely slowed to a still-solid pace in the fourth quarter because of disruptions from last year's government shutdown and a moderation in consumer spending, though tax cuts and investment in artificial intelligence were expected to drive activity this year.
Global demand for natural rubber is projected to exceed production for a sixth straight year in 2026, with accelerating growth in the automotive sector across emerging and advanced economies driving consumption, an industry body said.
Expectations for the Bank of Japan have shifted meaningfully in the wake of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election victory, with economists bringing forward forecasts for the next rate hike and increasing bets on potential currency intervention.