In addition, the world economy also faces serious political risks as well as threats to liberal trade. Looks like the year will end on a solid footing, with the 4Q17 2.5% GDP growth-pace continuing into 2018, amid plans to cut taxes. After a solid third quarter, latest data suggest a further pick-up in GDP growth to 3% in 4Q17. China: GDP growth rose 6.9% in the first nine months of 2017, all but certain to reach its 6.5% target for the year as a whole (6.7% in 2016). For 2018, GDP is forecast to rise strongly at close to 5%, led mainly by EMEs in Asia, with many nations in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East still struggling with subpar performance.

Source: The Star December 22, 2017 23:26 UTC