An article in today's (January 13) "Shanghai Securities News" reports that almost 80 percent of the 100 economists interviewed by the China Business Climate Monitoring Center say they are expecting a stronger stock market for 2000. Economists are also predicting that the stock market will be subject to stricter regulations and that investors will be more rational and less vulnerable.

Eighty-six percent of the economists predict a 7.4 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth this year because of more exports, China's accession to the WTO, rise in incomes, increased consumption of automobiles, housing and education.

About 65.5 percent of the economists noted China should have an expanding monetary policy to curb deflation and encourage investment. And 28 of the economists said there is no need to change the current monetary policy.

Moreover, 68 of the 100 economists said the interest rate of RMB will remain unchanged this year and 25 percent of the economists acknowledged that there is a trend in the country for a further possible cut in interest rates owing to a relatively big pressure on inflation. (Xinhua)