Singapore's key consumer price gauge rose 5.5% in February, unchanged from January and lower than forecast, official data showed on Thursday, though while analysts said core inflation appeared to have peaked, prices remained at historic highs.

British consumer confidence rose this month to its highest level in a year, helped by improving sentiment around the economy and despite persistent gloom over personal finances, a survey showed on Friday.

Japan's manufacturing activity contracted for a fifth straight month in March as output and new orders remained under pressure, a survey showed on Friday, suggesting the economic recovery is fragile as global demand slows.

China will make up a sizeable portion of the world’s demand recovery for oil as the global economy braces itself for a slowdown in the wake of interest rate hikes, Wood Mackenzie said.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits edged down last week, showing no signs yet that the recent financial market turbulence following the failure of two regional banks was having an impact on the economy.

Rapid actions by policymakers and major central banks after banking collapses in the United States and Switzerland have eased market stress to some extent but continued vigilance is warranted, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday.