Daily FNArena News - International

Simply awful is probably the best way to describe the data that are being released in China these days.

Predictions for 2009 are flowing in and DBS joins the queue in downgrading its outlook and forecasts for the Asian region.

For the first time in seven years Chinese exports have fallen raising serious questions about the country’s real economic prospects through this recession.

If the global economic slowdown isn’t bad enough for “the other China”, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai have hardly helped.

ANZ has lowered its growth outlook for Asia for the coming year, with the South-East better placed at present than the North-East.

The latest survey of Chinese manufacturing conditions by CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets shows a further decline, reflecting both a weak economic environment and soft demand.

While similar, the current decline of Asian currencies differs in many ways from the falls of the 2000/01 global economic downturn.

ANZ Bank thinks China’s recently announced stimulus package is large enough and well targeted enough to support solid growth.

The Chinese economy is slowing and while there are some positives and the government is doing what it can to provide a boost Standard Chartered doesn’t expect any quick turnaround.

Sure, the Chinese government pouring money into its economy is good news for Australian resources, but will it keep GDP growth above 8%?