SYDNEY (Reuters) - The dollar started the new year where it left the old one, under pressure as investors wagered U.S. economic outperformance could be coming to an end as optimism on trade brightens the outlook for growth globally.

BEIJING, Jan 2 (Reuters) - China’s factory activity expanded at a slower clip in December, pulling back from a three-year high the previous month as new orders softened, a private survey showed on Thursday.

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Asian shares kicked off the new decade higher on Thursday, after global stocks ended the previous one at record highs, and buoyed by Chinese markets after Beijing eased monetary policy to support slowing growth.

BEIJING (Reuters) - Factory activity in China expanded for a second straight month in December, as production quickened and export orders rose, offering some support for the manufacturing sector amid signs of progress in trade talks with the United States.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The dollar dipped to a near three-week low against the yen in thin year-end volume on Tuesday as investors favoured riskier assets, led by renewed optimism about global growth.

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Asian shares slipped on the last trading day of the decade, echoing falls on Wall Street, as investors locked in gains made since the United States and China reached a preliminary trade deal earlier this month.