Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the country should begin “fine-tuning” economic policies as early as the first quarter, in response to recent weak economic data, Bloomberg reported. “We have to make a proper judgment as early as possible when things happen and take quick action,” Wen said in a speech last week to business leaders in Beijing. His remarks have fueled speculation that the government will take steps to ease policy in February or March, perhaps cutting the reserve ratio for banks, boosting lending and government spending, and lowering taxes. Wen also reiterated support for real-estate restrictions to ensure fairness and stability in the property market. In January, Chinese trade fell for the first time in two years and bank lending came in below estimates. Commerce Minister Chen Deming said foreign trade growth could be stabilized through easing funding pressures on companies, boosting fiscal policy support and exchange rate stability.
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