That could pull 2018 gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 6.6%, the lowest since 1990 and down from a revised 6.8% in 2017. Some analysts believe real growth levels are already much weaker than official data suggest. China will release its fourth-quarter and 2018 GDP data on Monday, along with December factory output, retail sales and fixed-asset investment. Sources have told Reuters that Beijing was planning to lower its growth target to 6-6.5% this year from around 6.5% in 2018. Stimulus steps eyedSo far, Chinese policymakers have fast-tracked construction projects and cut taxes and some import duties to spur demand.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 20, 2019 04:18 UTC