Ifo Institute expects Germany's economic growth to slow to 0.8% in 2028.

South Korea's KOSPI opened up 75.08 points, or 1.14%, at 6,637.8 on Thursday, Sept. 3; Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rose more than 1.5%.

The Fed's Beige Book said US economic activity expanded modestly since early July; 10 of 12 districts reported slight-to-moderate growth and two were flat. Consumer spending edged up but price sensitivity increased; high-end consumption remained firm while auto sales weakened amid softer confidence, higher gasoline prices and rising financing costs. Manufacturing rebounded in most districts, with several citing strong defense- and data-center-related orders. Employment growth slowed, with overall payrolls only slightly higher; labor demand was stronger in manufacturing and construction but weaker in retail and hospitality. Most districts reported moderate price increases, with cost pressure from energy, transportation, raw materials and tariffs. Firms expect a generally positive near-term outlook but flagged uncertainty from energy prices, policy and international conflicts.