PANews January 23 News, according to Jintiao reports, S&P Global Market Intelligence Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson stated that the initial US PMI data indicates that the economy has continued to grow at the beginning of the year. However, further signs suggest that since the start of the new year, the pace of economic growth has slowed down. Compared to the strong growth observed last fall, the growth rate has decreased. The survey shows that the annualized GDP growth rate for December and January is expected to be 1.5%, but worryingly, the growth rate of new business in manufacturing and services sectors is relatively sluggish, which further indicates that the growth in the first quarter may be disappointing. Meanwhile, employment growth is also disappointing, with employment figures in January almost stagnant, as companies, under uncertain conditions, weak demand, and high-cost pressures, are hesitant to increase their workforce.