-- China's economy likely picked up pace early in 2026, buoyed by resilient exports, but momentum is set to fade as geopolitical tensions weigh on demand, a Reuters poll showed.
Economists forecast first-quarter gross domestic product growth at 4.8% year-on-year, up from 4.5% in Q4 2025, according to the Monday report.
Expansion is seen easing to 4.7% in Q2, with full-year growth at 4.6%, Reuters wrote.
While energy buffers have softened the impact of the Iran crisis, higher oil prices are squeezing margins and threatening exports, the report said.
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