Here are the top five things you need to know in financial markets on Friday, April 15:
1. China records slowest growth in seven years
Official data showed on Friday that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.7% in the first quarter, slipping from the 6.8% expansion registered in the last three months of 2015.
That was its slowest pace since the first quarter of 2009, though in line with the consensus forecast.
Moody’s commented that the data showed that Beijing was clearly able to stimulate the economy, but showed concern that the debt-fueled support for near-term growth may further increase long-term imbalances.
2. Crude drops as Doha meeting of major oil producers nears
Sunday will see the gathering of OPEC and non-OPEC countries in Doha to discuss the possibility of an output freeze meant to stabilize oil markets.
Oil fell on Friday as the Iranian oil minister announced that he would not attend the meeting, although he said the OPEC governor will be present.
Meanwhile, investors waited for the U.S. rig count data from Baker Hughes which will be released later on Friday.
U.S. crude oil futures fell 1.08% to $41.05 at 9:54AM GMT, or 5:54AM ET, while Brent oil traded down 1.85% to $38.57.
3. Full U.S. economic calendar ahead
On the last trading day of the week, investors will watch an array of data releases stateside with the NY Empire State Manufacturing Index for April out at 12:30GMT, or 8:30AM ET, March industrial production at 13:15GMT, or 9:15AM ET, and the April consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan at 14:00GMT, or 10:00AM ET.
Eyes will also be on Chicago Federal Reserve bank president Charles Evans who was scheduled to deliver a speech to the JP Morgan Investor Seminar at 16:30GMT, or 12:30ET.
4. U.K. registers a record increase in construction of new homes
The British Office for National Statistics reported on Friday that new homebuilding in the U.K. jumped 6.8% in the three months to February, its fasted pace ever.
The U.K. construction output, representing 6% of the British economy, increased 1.5% overall in the three months to February, despite an 11% decline in factories and warehouses.
5. Foreign investment in the U.K. would slump more than 20% on Brexit
Foreign direct investment in the U.K. would fall by more than 20% if the country decides to leave the European (EU), referred to as a Brexit, according to a study by Centre for Economic Performance released on Friday.
The research arrived as various recent polls released during the week showed that the vote to leave was gaining ground ahead of the June 23 referendum.