China data to show sharp March deterioration as Covid-19 bites, but solid 1Q growth | The Edge Markets

– A + A BEIJING (April 17): China is expected to report a sharp deterioration in economic activity in March as Covid-19 outbreaks and lockdowns hit consumers and factories, although first-quarter (1Q) growth might have perked up due to a strong start early in the year. Data on Monday is expected to show gross domestic product (GDP) grew 4.4% in January-March from a year earlier, a Reuters poll showed, outpacing 4Q’s 4% pace due to a surprisingly solid start in the first two months. But on a quarterly basis, GDP growth is forecast to fall to 0.6% in 1Q from…