China – The volume of China's exports in December rose 2.3% in terms of Yuan, after falling 3.7% in November, according to the General Administration of Customs of China. Exports increased for the first time in six months. At the same time, the decline in imports in December continued the 14th consecutive month. The index decreased by 4% after falling 5.6% in November. The experts interviewed by Bloomberg, on average, had expected a decline of exports in the last month by 4.1% and imports – by 7.9%. The surplus of the balance of foreign trade of China in dollar terms, for the last month rose to $ 60.09 billion compared with $ 54.1 billion a month earlier. Analysts had forecasted a reduction to $ 51.3 billion.
The China's trade surplus for the last month has increased, contrary to expectations. This is confirmed by the official data released on Wednesday. According to the report prepared by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the figure was 60.09B compared to 54.10B the previous month. Experts expected to decline over the past month to 53.00B.
Japan – The Economy Watchers Current Index of Japan for the last month rose more than expected. This was according to official data released on Tuesday. According to the report prepared by the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Japan, this indicator (seasonally adjusted) was 48.7 compared with 46.1 in the previous month. The experts expected a growth to 46.7.
The M2 index of Japan for the last month decreased contrary to expectations according to Tuesday data. According to the report prepared by the Bank of Japan, the indicator (seasonally adjusted) was 3.0% compared with 3.3% in the previous month. The forecast was 3.4%.
The current account balance of Japan for the last month rose less than expected. This is confirmed by Monday official data. According to the report prepared by the Ministry of Finance of Japan, this indicator (seasonally adjusted) was 1.42T compared to 1.49T the previous month. The experts expected a growth to 1.52T.
The volume of bank lending in Japan (y/y) in the preceding quarter decreased contrary to expectations, says Monday data. According to the report prepared by the Bank of Japan, the figure was 2.2% compared with 2.3% in the previous quarter. Experts expected the same results at 2.3%.
South Korea –The unemployment rate in South Korea for the last month remained unchanged. This was according to official data released on Tuesday. According to the report prepared by the National Statistical Office of South Korea, this figure was 3.4% compared with 3.4% in the previous month. The forecast was the same.