In December, the total value added of the industrial enterprises above designated size was up by 7.9% year-on-year or up by 0.75% month-on-month. Analysts were anticipating smaller growth by 7.4%. The total value added of the industrial enterprises above designated size in 2014 was up by 8.3% at comparable prices. An analysis by types of ownership showed that the value added growth of the state-owned and state holding enterprises was 4.9%, that of the collective enterprises, 1.7%, share-holding enterprises, 9.7%; and enterprises funded by foreign investors or investors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, 6.3%.
In the US session NAHB Housing Market Index data was released. A gauge of confidence among home builders ticked down this month by one point to 57, staying close to the highest level since late 2005. Analysts were forecasting no change. Readings above 50 signal that builders, generally, are optimistic about sales trends. January marks the seventh consecutive month of above-50 readings.
Tomorrow, from Australia, only Westpac Consumer Sentiment figures will be released. After last month's sharp decline analysts are hoping for a better reading this month. In the US session Building Permits and Housing Starts data is scheduled for a release. Figure slightly above 1 million is forecasted for both releases, similar to last month's figures.
Figures to watch:
Westpac Consumer Sentiment (Wednesday 00:30)
Building Permits/Housing Starts (Wednesday 14:30)
