U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in March amid a surge in receipts at online retailers, further evidence that the economy ended the first quarter on solid ground.

The Chinese economy grew more than expected in the first quarter of 2024, as sustained government stimulus measures helped spur some improvement in business activity, while national holidays helped buoy consumer spending. 

U.S. consumer sentiment receded in April and households expected inflation to increase over the next 12 months and beyond, likely providing more ammunition for the Federal Reserve to delay cutting interest rates until September.

Japan's key gauge of capital spending grew much stronger than expected in February, rebounding sharply from the prior month's decline in a welcome sign for domestic demand even as the yen's slide against the dollar raises the cost of living.

The U.S. government has reimbursed auto dealers for more than $580 million in advance point-of-sale consumer electric vehicle (EV) tax credit payments since Jan. 1, the Treasury said on Friday.

China's central bank on Monday left a key policy interest rate unchanged as widely expected when rolling over maturing medium-term loans, and drained some cash from the banking system through the bond instrument.