Talking points

A Japanese central bank survey is expected to show business confidence improved in the three months to December as robust fiscal and household spending made up for soft exports - thanks to the stimulus policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Bank of Japan's quarterly "tankan" survey is also expected to show companies maintaining upbeat capital expenditure plans, according to a Reuters poll.

The US and the EU begin a third round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations in Washington. Any agreement reached in the talks will be aimed at removing trade barriers in a wide range of economic sectors to make it easier to buy and sell goods and services between Europe and the US. Given the strengthening ties between China and the West, as well as its elevated status in global economics and trade, the TTIP outcome is certain to have an enormous impact on mainland business.