Japan posted an unexpected current account deficit in October, data showed on Thursday, as sluggish exports, increasingly expensive imports and pressure from high inflation weighed on the country’s economy.

Japan's economy, the world's third-largest, shrank less than initially estimated in the third quarter, bolstering a view that it is slowly recovering from COVID-19 doldrums even as major export markets show further signs of weakening.

Thai consumer confidence rose for a sixth straight month in November, reaching a 20-month high, boosted by improved economic activity and higher foreign tourist arrivals, but high costs of living remain a worry, a survey showed on Thursday.

China may announce 10 new COVID-19 easing measures as early as Wednesday, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, supplementing 20 unveiled in November that set off a wave of COVID easing steps nationwide.

New orders for U.S.-manufactured goods increased more than expected in October amid strong gains in demand for machinery and a range of other goods, which could allay concerns of a sharp slowdown in manufacturing.

Japan's real wage posted its biggest fall in more than seven years in October on relentless consumer inflation even though nominal pay grew for a tenth month, official data showed on Tuesday.