Robust Singapore Q1 GDP surprises but headwinds loom x x x x

SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy grew faster than estimated in the first quarter, boding well for the city-state's growth outlook this year, but some signs of drag from uneven global growth are emerging.

The surprisingly strong first quarter data bolsters the case for the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to hold off from additional monetary easing later this year, economists said.