China reports GDP data for the fourth quarter on Friday, 20th January. Higher government spending and record bank lending is likely to see stable growth in China in the fourth quarter. Massive fiscal and credit stimulus probably fueled construction boom supporting heavy industries.
The property market in China has been a key driver for the nation's growth. China’s overheated property market showed further signs of cooling in December on the back of curbing measures imposed since October. Data on Wednesday showed average new home prices rose 12.4 percent in 2016, but gains have moderated in recent months.
As the full impact from these measures kick in, and on additional measures which cannot be exactly ruled out, property market for the coming year is expected to remain soft.
Economists in Reuters poll estimated GDP grew 1.7 percent quarter-on-quarter, versus 1.8 percent in the third quarter. "In 2017, we expect growth to remain stable in the first half, as expansionary fiscal spending should offset the drag from a cooling property sector," economists at Nomura said in a note.


South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 



