China looks set to report its worst quarterly growth since the financial crisis, according to a CNNMoney survey of economists.
Gross domestic product is forecast to have expanded by 7 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period last year, according to the survey's median estimate.
That's quite a drop from the final quarter of 2014, when economic growth came in at 7.3 percent. Looking ahead, economists expect to see 6.8 percent annual GDP growth for this year, and even slower expansion at 6.5 percent in 2016.
The strength of China's economy is often difficult to judge at the beginning of the year because of the Lunar New Year holiday. But recent data have been so disappointing that experts are bracing for the worst.
Although survey estimates remain in line with the government's target of 7 percent, economists expect Beijing to take stimulus action if the economy slows much further, according to the survey. One of the biggest risks facing the Chinese economy continues to be a waning property sector.
"While we do not expect a dramatic slowdown, we think downward pressures on growth stemming from the weakness in real estate will remain in the coming months," wrote Louis Kuijs of RBS in a research note. "Against this backdrop, we think more macroeconomic easing steps will follow in the coming months to ensure that GDP growth will not fall too much below the target of 7 percent in 2015."
So far this year, the government has already tried to shore up the real estate sector, putting in place measures to boost property sales and battle slowing construction. But UBS economists Harrison Hsu and Wang Tao said the measures won't be enough to reverse the overall slowdown.
Other risks continue to loom, including capital outflow and massive local government debt.
Overall, analysts expect Beijing to consider interest rate cuts, a lower reserve requirement ratio, and further monetary easing to support the economy.
Ask us about our FREE financial advice program: 
Other top stories:
All Your Brokers and Signals in 1 Place - Binary Trade Center
Countless Already Joined and Made a Profit - What About You?
How I Made Over $30,000 a Year by Investing in Binary Options
Follow us and SHARE this story on Facebook: 
