"China's Stock Market Surges Amid Government Intervention and Regulatory Scrutiny"

China and Hong Kong stocks surged over 3% amid measures to support markets, while most Asia-Pacific markets declined; Australia's retail sales inched up in the fourth quarter of 2023; a fund manager remains bullish on two banks despite recent volatility; the Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold rates with no dovish pivot anticipated; Japan's household spending fell more than expected in December, impacting monetary policy considerations for the Bank of Japan.