HONG KONG, April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) release Q1 GDP on Friday 15th, alongside the monthly array of economic data: CPI and PPI inflation, industrial production, retail sales and fixed asset investment (FAI), all for March. Growth is widely expected to slow from the double digit pace seen in 2010, with authorities indicating they are willing to forgo some of the speed while putting a greater emphasis on sustainability. That said, output for 2011 as a whole is still likely to exceed 9%. RICS expects a further 50 to 75 basis points to be added through the year as inflation rises on the back of growing food and commodity prices. It is hoped and expected that the tighter policy environment will also dampen the excessively high rates of investment.
Swedish inquiry on house prices plays down bubble talk
This week saw the publication of the eagerly awaited inquiry by the Riksbank into the risks in the Swedish housing market. In truth, none of the conclusions are likely to come as surprise. The central bank next meets on Wednesday 20th and the likelihood is that interest rates will be raised by a further quarter point taking the repo rate to 1.75% (from a recent low of just 0.25%).
Stronger Indian economy continues to support real estate
Recent data suggests that the Indian economy is continuing to surge ahead. A good example of this is provided by the release of numbers for exports in February: on a year on year comparison they leapt by just short of 50% which is the fastest annual gain in 11 months.
Canadian house prices continue to rise albeit at a slower pace
The coming week sees the release of key housing market data: the new house price index on Tuesday 12th (February), followed by existing home sales (March) on Friday 15th. Existing home sales in February declined by 6% year on year. That said, February's sales figure ran close to the 5 year average for that month, with the year on year decline due to base effects (Q1 2010 reported record sales).
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