SINGAPORE (REUTERS) - Singapore's economic contraction is expected to have moderated in the fourth quarter, as the city-state lifted more coronavirus-related curbs due to a drop in local infections.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is seen falling 4.5 per cent from the same period a year earlier, according to the median forecast of economists in a Reuters poll, marking the fourth straight quarter of decline. The economy had shrunk 5.8 per cent in the third quarter.

The South-east Asian trade and travel hub has been hit hard by local virus-related restrictions, border closures around the world and the sluggish global economy.

Singapore's economy is likely to contract between 6 per cent and 6.5 per cent this year, marking its worst recession, and grow 4 per cent to 6 per cent in 2021, according to official forecasts.

The city-state began its Covid-19 vaccination programme on Wednesday (Dec 30), and has progressively been easing social distancing curbs as local cases dwindle, even though borders remain largely shut.

"(There is) some slight improvement in Q4 momentum due to the pickup in domestic economic activities, including F&B (food and beverage) and retail during the festive holidays with Singaporeans unable to travel," said Selena Ling, OCBC Bank's head of treasury research and strategy.

The government has spent about $100 billion or 20 per cent of its GDP, in virus-related relief to support households and businesses. The central bank left monetary policy unchanged at its last meeting in October and said its accommodative stance would remain appropriate for some time.