Stocks kicked off trading in the new year on a positive note with US equity-index futures advancing, while gold and silver gained. Trading is thin across the Asia-Pacific, with several markets shut for the holidays. Also, South Korea's exports maintained growth momentum, supported by strong semiconductor demand, easing concerns over global trade protectionism and tariff-related uncertainty that had weighed on the country for much of the year. For more on the market action, we turn to Paul Dobson, Bloomberg's Executive Editor for Asia Markets.

Chinese President Xi Jinping says China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic development in the 2021-2025 period, according to his New Year's Eve message. Xi highlights achievements in AI large models and chip R&D, and says China has become one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities. For more on the outlook for the Chinese economy for the year and what is ahead for the Asia Pacific, we speak to Stephanie Leung, Chief Investment Officer at StashAway.