April retail sales growth fell short of expectations, signaling weak consumer demand amid broader economic softness.
China’s April retail sales rose just 0.2% year-over-year, missing the 2% forecast and underscoring sluggish domestic consumption. Industrial production also disappointed, climbing 4.1% against an expected 5.9%.
The data follows March’s mixed results and suggests a slower-than-anticipated recovery in the world’s second-largest economy. Analysts had projected a stronger rebound after recent stimulus measures.
Separately, the Chinese House Price Index declined 3.5% in April, worsening from March’s 3.4% drop, reinforcing concerns over a prolonged property slump.