Asian shares have started the first trading day of the new year on a steady footing, as investors returning after a holiday lull looked ahead to fresh trading catalysts from key economic releases later in the week. Risk appetite was strong after global shares ended 2023 with their biggest annual rise in four years, driven by the prospect that major central banks globally could begin easing rates this year in a major boost for consumers and businesses shackled by high borrowing costs. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan eased 0.1 per cent in early trade on Tuesday but was still hovering near a five-month high…
