The IMF notes that "headwinds from prolonged...>

ASIA: The IMF notes that "headwinds from prolonged global policy uncertainty,

distortionary trade measures, and growth deceleration in the economies of

important trading partners are influencing economic growth in Asia & the

Pacific. Although the region is still the world's fastest growing major region,

contributing more than 2/3 to global growth, near-term prospects have

deteriorated noticeably since the April '19 WEO, with risks skewed to the

downside. Growth in Asia is expected to moderate to 5.0% in 2019 & 5.1% in 2020

(0.4 & 0.3 percentage point lower than projected last April, respectively). A

marked deceleration in merchandise trade & investment, driven by distortionary

trade measures and an uncertain policy environment, is weighing on activity,

particularly in the manufacturing sector. Loosening monetary policy in key

advanced economies and, correspondingly, easing financial conditions, are

mitigating the impact of slower growth on Asian economies, but could add to

financial vulnerabilities in the region.

- Link: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/REO/APAC/Issues/2019/10/03/areo1023