Daily Economic Outlook—Jan 18

China is set to release a number of data on 19 January, giving updates regarding the extent of the economic growth's slowdown. The country will release its first forecast for Q4 GDP growth, and December's investment spending, retail sales and industrial production. According to analysts, the country's Q4 GDP growth is expected to be the same as Q3 growth of 1.8%. The monthly data might give some relief to markets if the figures are on par with expectations of a slightly stronger growth in retail sales and moderately weaker industrial production from November.

Meanwhile, the OPEC's monthly report of oil market's demand and supply conditions will give an update whether the supply glut, which has declined the oil price, will show any indication of easing. The worries of excess supply have intensified after the reports that certain oil production from Iran might come back on stream more quickly than anticipated after the removal of sanctions.