Disappointing economic data from some of Asia-Pacific’s largest economies this week could intensify calls for more monetary easing, economists warn.
The reports could also further weigh on global equity markets, which were hit by a drop in global risk sentiment last week due to political conflict in Yemen, volatile oil prices, uncertainty over Greece and ongoing speculation over the timing of a U.S. interest rate hike.
Japanese industrial output for February is due Monday morning before Tokyo’s market open. Manufacturers polled by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) expect a 0.2 percent monthly gain, which would mark the third straight month of expansion but also a significant slowdown compared to January’s revised 3.7 percent increase.
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