Asian markets remain steady as holidays and weak Japan data slow trading
Asian stocks consolidated gains on Monday as major markets closed for holidays. Japan reported weak growth while investors awaited upcoming US economic data.
Insights:
Japan 
JP reported that its economy grew by an annualised 0.1% in the December quarter, a figure that fell well short of the 1.6% growth forecast by analysts. The unexpectedly weak performance was largely attributed to government spending, which acted as a drag on overall economic activity during the period. This data release has immediately shifted the narrative for the nation's economy, raising concerns about the strength of its recovery.
JP reported that its economy grew by an annualised 0.1% in the December quarter, a figure that fell well short of the 1.6% growth forecast by analysts. The unexpectedly weak performance was largely attributed to government spending, which acted as a drag on overall economic activity during the period. This data release has immediately shifted the narrative for the nation's economy, raising concerns about the strength of its recovery.
