Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong urged couples to add a little dragon to their families, while subdued Chinese consumers turned to gold to usher in the lunar new year. The dragon, by far the most charismatic, intelligent, fortunate and gifted sign in the Chinese zodiac (I’m a dragon), augers a fruitful year ahead. Let the dancing and good cheer begin...

The CSI 300 had its best performance since 2022 in the holiday-shortened week as Beijing stoked efforts to support equities, including replacing a top regulator. Traders are hoping for more good news to keep the rally going when the mainland market reopens on Feb. 19.