Asian stocks edged up on Friday, drawing support from unexpectedly strong growth in China's economy at the end of last year, although gains were limited by caution ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as U.

Asian markets were mixed Friday as data showing China's economy grew slightly quicker than expected last year failed to inspire investors, with Beijing battling to revive consumption and boost the battered property sector.

Global equities rose on Friday, adding to weekly gains, as declining bond yields, stronger than expected Chinese growth figures and upbeat earnings supported riskier assets.

Goldman Sachs predicts gold could reach $3,000 per ounce by the second quarter of 2026 amid strong central bank demand.

The unexpected action is intended to tamp down a potential bubble in the bond market fueled by investors shunning riskier assets like stocks and real estate.

This week, attention will centre on inflation data from major economies, including the US, EU, and UK. Additionally, China's forthcoming release of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth figures for the final quarter will be a critical gauge for its economic trajectory.

Justin Trudeau is resigning as Canada’s prime minister. And the outlook for Germany’s solar panel industry is a bit cloudy. Plus, China’s central bank is planning a policy overhaul. I’m Kasia Broussalian, and here’s the news you need to start your day. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he is stepping down.

Shares are mostly lower in Asia after China reported that its economy grew at a 5% annual pace last year, hitting the government's target but slowing from the year before.

Scott Bessent, tapped by Donald Trump to be treasury secretary, faced sharp questions from Democrats and Republicans on tax policy, tariffs, China, Russia sanctions and the IRS.

Salvos from a Federal Reserve governor and the incoming Treasury Secretary helped nail down this week's inflation-inspired retreat in worrisome U.S. Treasury yields before Donald Trump's inauguration as president on Monday.

Investors are appraising Trump policies' likely impact on stocks on the last trading day before the inauguration.

Donald Trump is promising to put import taxes back at the center of US economic policy during his second term as US president. The country heavily taxed imports for much of its history before largely abandoning the policy,