FXStreet reports that economist at UOB Group Ho Woei Chen, CFA, assessed the latest set of data releases in the Chinese economy and the prospects for the third quarter.

“Industrial production growth accelerated to 5.6% y/y in August..., the fifth straight month of gains… With the sustained gains, industrial production has finally turned the corner with +0.4% y/y year-to-date increase compared to -0.4% in the previous month.”

“Retail sales also came in above expectation at +0.5% y/y..., its first positive growth since the start of the year... Overall, the rebound in August has narrowed the year-to-date decline in retail sales to -8.6% y/y from -9.9% y/y in the preceding month.”

“The economic data in August, including the stronger-than-expected trade and credit growth, all point towards an acceleration in 3Q GDP growth… We now see some upside risk to our GDP forecast for China which is at 4.9% y/y in 3Q and 5.7% y/y in 4Q (2Q: 3.2% y/y) for full-year 1.8% growth.”