Singapore Trade Data Due On Friday

(RTTNews) - Singapore will on Friday release December numbers for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

Imports were worth SGD38.53 billion in November, while exports were at SGD42.13 billion - resulting in a trade surplus of SGD3.60 billion.

Japan will see December results for its consumer confidence index, as well as for department store sales.

The consumer confidence index is expected to show a score of 43.2, up from 42.5 in November. Nationwide department store sales were up 2.4 percent on year in November, while Tokyo area store sales climbed an annual 3.9 percent.

Finally, the markets in Malaysia are closed on Friday in observance of Thaipusam, and will re-open on Monday.