There is rising concern among global investors that a Chinese growth slowdown will drag down the world economy. If reported growth on Monday morning comes in below expectations, the news could spark a global equity sell-off. Economists have pencilled in a median forecast of 6.4 per cent year on year growth for China’s gross domestic product in the fourth quarter. Four other things to watch this morning include inflation and nominal GDP, housing sales, infrastructure investment and private investment. Meanwhile in Asia-Pacific equities, futures tip Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 index to rise 0.7 per cent at the open, while Tokyo’s Topix is set to rise 1.2 per cent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng is expected to gain 1 per cent when trading begins.
Shippers see temporary lull in exports
Shippers expect the coronavirus outbreak to have the greatest effect on farm product exports, notably fresh fruits and vegetables, with...