My dears! Asian shares rose today, helped by some encouraging signs in the Chinese economy and a retreating dollar.

Shares in Hong Kong and Australia advanced after data showed China posted its biggest rise in retail sales in eight months, while house prices fell more slowly. Japanese benchmarks rose about 0.8%, supported by a weaker yen. US contracts slipped.

The dollar halted a five-day gain, helped by comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that the central bank would not rush to cut interest rates. Friday's action gives emerging market assets a welcome respite after they were sold off for much of the week on US President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks and uncertainty over China's recovery.