Severe floods in Thailand's southern region could cut rubber production in the world's largest producer by as much as 90,000 metric tons, worth 4.5 billion baht ($140 million), the national rubber authority said on Thursday.
Japan’s industrial production rose unexpectedly in October, government data showed on Friday, offering a tentative sign that manufacturing activity is stabilising after months of uneven factory output.
China's factory sector likely shrank for an eighth month in November, highlighting the dilemma facing policymakers over whether to press ahead with tough structural reforms or roll out further stimulus amid faltering domestic and external demand.
Asian stocks retreated on Friday as a rebound in technology shares lost steam, while Chinese markets were pressured by renewed concerns over a property market meltdown in the country.
Oil prices were steady in Asian trading on Friday as investors weighed U.S.-led efforts to advance a Russia-Ukraine peace framework and awaited a key OPEC+ meeting this weekend to gauge the supply outlook for early 2026.