In other markets, China's fourth quarter 2024 GDP surged to 5.4% year-on-year, up from 4.6% YoY and marking the highest level of the year, and the fastest YoY growth of any quarter since 2Q23, ING's FX analyst Francesco Pesole notes.

Fourth quarter growth level is a significant beat

"This was also a much more impressive reading given that 2Q23 benefited heavily from a favourable base effect. The fourth quarter growth level was a significant beat and moving the full-year growth back to 5.0% will put to rest any potential debate on whether or not a lower growth level would have been sufficient to fulfil the 'around 5%' growth target."