Asia Week Ahead: China activity and Japan trade data on tap

The economic calendar thins out a bit in Asia next week although we will have some important China activity releases to start it off. China will report 3Q GDP, retail sales and industrial production with 3Q GDP expected to moderate to 4.0% year-on-year from the 7.9% expansion in 2Q. China also announces 1Y and 5Y loan prime rates within the week although no change is expected.

Japan’s trade data is also on tap with the September report expected to show double digit gains for both exports and imports. The overall trade balance will likely stay in deficit territory as import growth is forecast to outpace exports. Meanwhile, Australia’s PMI reports are set for release with both manufacturing and services activity expected to improve from the September reading although services activity will likely remain in contraction.

Lastly, we do have some central bank activity as Bank Indonesia (BI) meets to discuss policy, but next week’s meeting will likely be a non-event. BI has signalled it will likely maintain support for the economic recovery for some time with Governor Perry Warjiyo pointing to a possible reversal in rates sometime in the second half of next year.