July retail sales growth slowed sharply to 0.6% year-on-year, falling short of the 1.5% consensus estimate.
China’s retail sales rose 0.6% year-on-year in July, below the 1.5% growth expected by analysts. The print marks a slowdown from June’s 1.0% increase, signaling weaker consumer demand amid broader economic pressures.
Industrial output also disappointed, climbing 4.5% versus a 4.8% forecast, while fixed-asset investment contracted 6.7%, worse than the anticipated 6.0% decline. Property investment continued its downward trend, dropping 19.2% year-on-year.
The data underscores persistent challenges in China’s economic recovery, with subdued domestic activity and ongoing property sector struggles weighing on growth prospects.