CHINESE economic data in the coming weeks are expected to show activity moderated in April after a strong showing in March, adding to questions over whether the world’s second-largest economy is recovering, a Reuters’ poll of economists showed.

    Growth in bank loans and industrial output is expected to have cooled, while exports could decline, albeit marginally, after expanding for the first time in nine months in March.

    Fixed-asset investment may have expanded at a faster rate, however, while producer price deflation likely eased, easing strains on companies’ balance sheets.

    April will give investors their first look at the state of the economy after the volatile first quarter when data can be distorted by the long Lunar New Year holidays.(SD-Agencies)