Thailand's economy is expected to grow 2.5% to 3.0% this year, down from a previous forecast of 3.0% to 3.5%, due to declining exports and public expenditure, and weaker tourism spending, a leading business group said on Thursday.

British employers concerned about the economic outlook reduced the number of workers they hired via recruitment agencies last month at the fastest pace in more than three years, an industry survey showed on Friday.

Japan's economy grew less than initially estimated in the second quarter and wages slumped in July, casting doubt over central bank projections that solid domestic demand will keep the country on course for a recovery.

Japanese real wages extended their fall to a 16th consecutive month in July, government data showed on Friday, as salaries failed to keep up with rising prices.

China's exports and imports extended declines in August as the twin pressures of sagging overseas demand and weak consumer spending at home squeezed businesses in the world's second-largest economy, although the falls were slower than expected.

The number of Americans filing for new unemployment insurance unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting a lingering tightness in the U.S. labor market that may impact the Federal Reserve's upcoming monetary policy decisions.