The average forecast by about 20 institutions, including CICC and Citic Securities, expects GDP growth to be 6.7 percent. Guosen Securities forecasts growth at 6.8 percent while Guotai Junan Securities expects a 6.5 percent increase.

A report from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences expects GDP growth to come in at 6.7 percent. The academy forecasts that GDP will grow 6.8 percent in the second quarter, and is maintaining its 2016 forecast of 6.8 percent.

J.P. Morgan's report that China's economic growth momentum will improve, and raised its forecast for GDP growth in 2016 to 6.7 percent from 6.6 percent.  Nomura also raised its outlook from 5.8 percent to 6.2 percent for 2016's GDP.