New orders for U.S. factory goods increased less than expected in September as manufacturers remained constrained by tariffs.
The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell to a more than three-year low last week, allaying fears of a sharp deterioration in labor market conditions after independent surveys showed job losses in November.
U.S. trade with China needs to be balanced and probably needs to be smaller, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Thursday, adding that he viewed a 25% drop in goods trade with China as heading in the "right direction."
Oil prices were largely steady in Asian trading on Friday after rising in the previous session, as stalled diplomatic progress over the Ukraine war and firm expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut supported sentiment.
Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to expand by 4.6% in 2026, supported by improving external demand despite a slight moderation in domestic activity, said CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries will acquire the exclusive rights to use the Dunlop brand for tires and accessories in Malaysia and two other Southeast Asian countries, Nikkei Asia reported.