China Economic Data Misses Forecasts as Growth Slows
China's industrial output grew 4.1% in April while retail sales rose only 0.2%, with both figures falling significantly short of analyst expectations. High energy costs and weak domestic demand weighed on the economy as factory production hit its slowest pace since July 2023.
China reported industrial output grew 4.1% in April, missing the 5.9% forecast as factory activity hit its slowest pace since July 2023. Retail sales rose 0.2%, cooling from 1.7% in March as household consumption remained fragile. The data signals fading momentum for the world's second-largest economy after a 5.0% first-quarter expansion.
Domestic car sales dropped 21.6% in April, marking the seventh consecutive monthly decline. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed fixed-asset investment contracted 1.6% during the first four months of 2026. This follows a 1.7% rise recorded between January and March.
