0924 GMT - China's economy continues to face some uncertainties despite a strong start to the year, UOB economist Ho Woei Chen says in a note. The country's first-quarter GDP growth of 5.0% exceeded market consensus and UOB's forecast. However, external headwinds are poised to strengthen if the Middle East conflict leads to prolonged supply disruptions and sustained higher oil prices, she writes. This has damped the global growth outlook and posed risks to Chinese exports, she adds. GDP growth could ease to around 4.6%-4.8% on year in the next three quarters, UOB says. (tracy.qu@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 16, 2026 05:24 ET (09:24 GMT)
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