Declining economic growth? Grim Q4 GDP numbers may greet new govt

The new government has to find ways to propel the economy

The new government will get its first reality check by the end of this month when the gross domestic product (GDP) numbers are likely to show declining economic growth.

Most economists say GDP growth will come down to an eight-quarter low of 6.1-6.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2018-19, lower than even the 6.5 per cent indicated in the second advance estimates.

For 2018-19, economists project economic growth at 6.9 per cent, which could accelerate at most to 7.3 per cent or go down to 6.8 per cent, depending on the unfolding economic situation. The only exception to a broad