The dollar started the week on a shaky footing on Monday as markets took stock of cautious remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as they waited on a key employment report that could influence the outlook for U.S. interest rates.
November saw further moderation in the Malaysian manufacturing sector, as demand conditions remained subdued. That said, there were some tentative signs of improvement, resulting in less pronounced slowdowns in new orders, output and employment, while business confidence reached a seven-month high.
Euro zone inflation tumbled more than expected for a third straight month in November, challenging the European Central Bank's narrative that price growth is stubborn and fuelling bets on early spring rate cuts in defiance of the bank's explicit guidance.
Japanese companies increased capital expenditure and reaped solid profits in the third quarter, data showed on Friday, suggesting that robust investment will offset soft consumption and help stave off the risk of recession.
China's factory activity unexpectedly expanded in November, driven by rising orders, a private survey showed on Friday, but sluggish external demand continues to weigh on manufacturers.
Chinese manufacturing activity unexpectedly rose back into expansion in November, a private survey showed on Friday, as a mild increase in domestic demand helped offset a persistent decline in overseas orders.