Chinese Growth at 7.5 Percent in 2014… Good Enough for You?

Chinese Growth at 7.5 Percent in 2014… Good Enough for You? (Reuters)

China’s economic growth for 2014 is expected to be 7.5 percent, as earlier expected, driven by strong export demand from developed countries. This figure was endorsed by the country’s Central Economic Work Conference even though Chinese officials have confessed to needing structural change. The 7.5 percent growth estimate had been challenged earlier in December by China’s State Information Centre and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, both of whom wanted that figure reduced to 7 percent. However, China’s “top leaders” won out, insisting that the larger estimate will help ensure job creation while still providing the necessary room for reforms. For investors wondering whether that level of growth indicates the time to get back into the world’s second largest economy, that’s a decision you’ll need to make on your own. But know this, 2013’s growth is expected to come in between 7.6 and 7.7 percent. So next year’s estimate represents weaker growth, even though the 2013 figure was the weakest since the Asian 1997-98 financial crisis.