Sales growth at BYD slowed to 7.73% in 2025, its weakest pace in five years, as the Chinese electric vehicle maker grappled with growing local competition and a weakening of its technological lead.
Asia’s factory powerhouses closed 2025 on a firmer footing, with activity swinging back to growth in several key economies as export orders picked up, helped by new product launches.
Asian stock markets opened the new year higher on Friday, with Hong Kong and South Korea leading gains on a rally in technology shares, while holiday closures in key markets kept trading volumes subdued.
China has adjusted its cash-for-clunkers programme that could impact lower-priced brands such as BYD Co, potentially reducing the boost to new car sales next year.
Americans filed the fewest new jobless claims in a month last week, and while the number of unemployed workers collecting relief payments has eased from recent highs, there is little indication of a break from the weak hiring environment that settled in over the course of President Donald Trump's first year back at the White House.
Oil prices steadied on Friday, the first trading day of 2026, after recording their biggest annual decline since 2020, as investors weighed fresh geopolitical risks against expectations that OPEC+ will maintain its current supply policy at a meeting later this week.