China's factories just broke a record—8 months of slowdown
China's manufacturing sector has now shrunk for eight straight months, the longest slump on record.
Even though November saw a tiny bump in activity, it wasn't enough to cross into growth territory.
The country's services sector also dipped for the first time in nearly three years, mostly dragged down by struggles in real estate and everyday services.
What's going on with China's economy?
Factories are getting fewer new orders and exports have dropped, thanks to weaker global demand and some diplomatic drama with Japan—even after a recent US-China truce.
To fight the slowdown, China pumped $141 billion into its economy since September to boost investment and pay off debts.
Still, retail sales have been losing steam for five months straight, and most experts think things might get tougher before they improve.
Why should you care?
China is a huge player in the global economy—when it slows down, it can ripple out everywhere from tech gadgets to job markets.
If you're curious about how international trends could impact your world (or your next online order), this story is worth keeping an eye on.