China Downside Risks Increasing for Economic Growth: IMF

The International Monetary Fund said risks are increasing that China’s economic growth this year will fall short of the lender’s forecast as it urged the nation to follow through on policy reforms to sustain expansion.

“Downside risks” to the IMF’s 7.75 percent growth estimate have risen after a gauge of manufacturing weakened in June, the Washington-based fund said yesterday in its annual assessment of China’s economy. The report, which forecasts a second-half pickup, doesn’t reflect July 15 government data showing expansion slowed to 7.5 percent last quarter.