Japan's core machinery orders fell more than expected in November, data showed on Thursday, underscoring uncertainty about domestic and global economic outlook.

China's economy grew 5.2% in 2023, slightly more than the official target, but the recovery was far shakier than many analysts and investors expected, with a deepening property crisis, mounting deflationary risks and tepid demand casting a pall over the outlook for this year.

The night before China's civil service exam, Melody Zhang anxiously paced up and down the corridor of her dormitory, rehearsing her answers. Only when she got back to her room did she realise she had been crying the whole time.

U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in December, boosted by an increase in motor vehicle and online purchases, keeping the economy on solid ground heading into the new year.

U.S. business inventories fell for a second straight month in November amid declines in retail and wholesale stocks, which could see inventory investment subtracting from economic growth in the fourth quarter.

U.S. import prices were unexpectedly unchanged in December after two straight monthly decreases, but the trend in imported inflation remained subdued.