TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan’s economy grew at the fastest pace on record in the third quarter, rebounding sharply from its biggest postwar slump, as improved exports and consumption helped the country emerge from the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

BEIJING, - China will speed up the spending of special funds allocated to local governments to help support the economy, vice finance minister Xu Hongcai said on Thursday.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Friday, pressured by fears about a slow recovery in the global economy and fuel demand due to an accelerating rise in COVID-19 infections, but remained on track for a second straight weekly gain, helped by vaccine hopes.

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Asian shares eked out gains on Friday and U.S. stock futures turned higher after U.S. president-elect Joe Biden was projected to win the battleground state of Arizona, cementing his win for the office.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Japanese yen edged higher on Friday as investors crept back to the safe-haven currency, worried about the economic damage of a trying winter in Europe and the United States as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.

TOKYO/BOSTON (Reuters) - Asian shares rose toward a more than two-year peak on Thursday, buoyed by sustained global stimulus efforts and hopes of a coronavirus vaccine, but some analysts warned of the risk of a correction lower.