Asian stocks edged up on Friday, drawing support from unexpectedly strong growth in China's economy at the end of last year, although gains were limited by caution ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as U.

Shares were mostly lower in Asia on Friday after China reported that its economy grew at a 5% annual pace last year, hitting the government’s target but slowing from the year before. U.S. futures edged higher and oil prices also climbed.

For investors in China, fighting another trade war with the US will feel like anything but been there and done that.

China’s economy grew more than expected in the last three months of 2024, official data showed on Friday, as it awaits the likely imposition of fresh tariffs by US President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next week.

Apple lost the top spot in the Chinese smartphone market after a domestic brand replaced the iPhone as the country's top choice.

BEIJING: Apple lost its status as the best selling smartphone brand in the crucial Chinese market last year, new data showed Thursday, with a pair of local rivals surpassing it with surging shipments.

Apples (NASDAQ:AAPL) smartphone shipments in China dropped 25% in Q4 2024, while Huawei experienced a 24% increase, according to Canalys. Despite the decline, Apple retained its top spot, shipping 13.