China's economy slows down, poses risk to global growth
China's economic engine is losing steam, with both factory output and retail sales growing at their slowest pace since August 2024.
In October, industrial production rose just 4.9% (missing forecasts), while retail sales inched up only 2.9%.
Both numbers are weaker than recent months, hinting at bigger challenges ahead for the world's second-largest economy.
Domestic and foreign challenges
China is feeling the squeeze from less demand abroad and slower investment at home—fixed asset investment dropped by 1.7% so far this year.
Even with government perks, car sales dipped after eight straight months of gains.
Prices barely budged, showing how cautious spending has become.
Global implications
A slowdown in China doesn't stay in China—it can shake up global trade and markets everywhere.
With old growth drivers stalling and trade tensions still simmering, there's more pressure on Chinese leaders to rethink their strategy and steady the ship for everyone connected to its massive economy.