Asia will start the year on a slower performance due to the strong USD, the possibility of US tariffs and economic policy uncertainties, Timothy Moe, chief Asia Pacific equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, said.Goldman Sachs cut its target for the MSCI Asia ex-Japan Index to 620, expecting 9% upside, and was optimistic about mainland China, Japan and Indonesia. The broker rated Hong Kong, Australia and Thailand at Underweight. Related NewsHSBC Research: Base Case Doesn't Expect Banks to Book CHINA VANKE Exposures as Non-performing Loans This Yr; ICBC/ CCB/ CM BANK/ BOCHK/ HKEX PreferredHong Kong's economy is still facing challenges, and that HKD is also relatively strong amid the strong USD, with deflationary pressure on local assets, Moe added.