Brussels, 10/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is believed to be preparing to reduce its forecasts for world economic growth next year. In July, the IMF predicted an increase in world GDP of 5.2% in 2008; it now expects this increase to be 4.8%. In a report which will be published next week, the IMF notes that is also taking account of the repercussions on the international financial markets of the high-risk mortgage crisis in the United States. Eurozone growth is expected to reach 2.1% (compared to 2.5% previously), according to several press agencies, quoting sources close to the institution. Looking at the individual member states, the forecast for France will fall from 2.3% to 2% and the one for Germany from 2.4% to 2%. It is worth noting that the European Commission will present its own economic forecasts for 2008 on 9 November. For the United States, the revision is even greater, as the IMF now forecasts an increase in GDP of 1.9%, compared to 2.8% previously. The organisation is to reduce its estimate of Chinese growth for next year from 10.5% to 10%. (ab)