Chinese investments in Vietnam have boomed this year in contrast to a slowdown in U.S. spending and trade, official data show, as the world's two largest economies vie for influence in the strategic Southeast Asian country.

Starting salaries for newly appointed employees in Britain rose at the slowest pace since March 2021 last month, according to industry data that offered some comfort to the Bank of England in its fight against inflation pressures.

Japan's economy fell faster than first estimated in the third quarter, revised data showed on Friday, as the household sector faced growing headwinds, complicating the central bank's efforts to phase out its accommodative monetary policy.

China’s trade balance grew more than expected in November, aided by a surprise rise in exports as they snapped a six-month losing streak, although an unexpected drop in imports still indicated continued weakness in local demand. 

U.S. wholesale inventories fell more than initially estimated in October, suggesting that inventory investment could be a drag on economic growth this quarter.

U.S. employers increased their announced job cuts in November, led by the retail and technology sectors, in a further sign that the labor market is beginning to slacken, a report released on Thursday showed.