By Kevin Buckland TOKYO (Reuters) -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.

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

MSCI's global equities index rose on Friday while U.S. Treasury yields turned higher with the dollar as upbeat economic data and earnings appeared to help investors shrug off any jitters ahead of the 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.

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.

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.

DONALD Trump is promising to put import taxes back at the center of US economic policy during his second term as US president. Read more at The Business Times.

Donald Trump’s economic plans risk reigniting US inflation, International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas told AFP, a few days before the president-elect returns to the White House.

Labor Department data shows that consumer prices rose a combined 20.8% during the course of Biden’s presidency, but people’s average weekly earnings rose just 17.4% over the same period. That meant people’s incomes didn’t keep pace with their expenses — and it, predictably, left people viewing an otherwise healthy economy as weak.

The Senate intensifies confirmation hearings for Trump’s Cabinet picks, with Scott Bessent, Doug Burgum, and Lee Zeldin defending their qualifications. Meanwhile, Pam Bondi faces further scrutiny in a second round of questioning.

Australian home building data will be scrutinised for signs of progress on housing supply as economists await Donald Trump's first policies as US president.

War, weak growth, and policy uncertainty around Trump’s return already threaten the Korean economy. An extended political crisis will make things worse.