China's Q2 GDP slowed to 4.3% as investment slump deepened
What's next: investors are watching a late-July Politburo meeting for possible rate cuts or other stimulus to shore up demand.
China's economy grew 4.3% in the second quarter, its weakest pace since late 2022, as falling investment and soft consumer spending outweighed strong factory output and exports. The result missed economists' forecasts and fell below Beijing's 4.5% to 5% full-year target range. Official data showed urban fixed-asset investment dropped 5.7% in the first half, with property investment down 18%. June retail sales rose 1%, recovering from a May decline, while industrial output increased 5.3%. Attention is now turning to a Communist Party Politburo meeting later this month, where leaders typically review the economy and may adjust policy as weak domestic demand and a prolonged property downturn weigh on growth.