"China Markets Soar on Holiday Travel Data, Hong Kong Shares Lag Behind"

Chinese stock markets rose as traders returned from a holiday, with upbeat travel data boosting tourism stocks, while Hong Kong shares fell; Thailand's fourth-quarter GDP unexpectedly contracted, increasing expectations for an interest rate cut; Singapore outbound flights will cost more from 2026 due to green fuel requirements; China travel stocks rallied as holiday tourism numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels; Nintendo shares fell on unconfirmed reports of a delayed console release; two ETFs have made money every year for the past decade, and Morgan Stanley's Slimmon names three stocks to buy right now; U.S. stock markets closed lower, breaking a five-week winning streak, and consumer sentiment and inflation outlook remained steady in February.