China39;s Q3 GDP growth seen at 4.4, vs Q239;s 6.3
Sept data likely show consumption picking up
Data due 0200 GMT on Wednesday
More stimulus seen needed to keep growth on track

BEIJING, Oct 18 Reuters China39;s economy likely slowed in the third quarter, data is expected to show on Wednesday, weighed by persistently weak demand, although increased stimulus has improved the prospects Beijing might be able to hit its fullyear growth target.

The world39;s secondlargest economy faltered in the second quarter after a brief postCOVID recovery, dragged by a property downturn and huge debt due to a decadeslong infrastructure binge.

The government has in recent weeks unveiled a raft of measures, including more public works spending, interest rate cuts, property easing and efforts to shore up the private sector.

Gross domestic product GDP likely grew 4.4 in JulySeptember from a year earlier, according to economists polled by Reuters, slowing from the 6.3 pace in the second quarter.

GDP data is due on Wednesday at 0200 GMT. Separate data on September activity is expected to show retail sales growth picking up but factory output slowing.

While recent economic data has shown some signs of stabilising after a flurry of modest support measures, economists believe more is needed to shore up activity.

Growth is forecast to pick up to 4.9 in the fourth quarter.

China39;s exports and imports have continued to decline, although at a slower pace. And while bank lending has jumped,…