China’s April data shows broad-based weakness in domestic activity
China’s April data showed a slowdown in growth, with retail sales, industrial production, and fixed asset investment all disappointing.
The first quarter had been strong, with exports remaining resilient, keeping growth targets in sight.
The sharper-than-expected deterioration in April’s data highlights downside risks, suggesting that additional stimulus might be needed to stabilize the domestic economy.
Rising PPI and non-food inflation are complicating stimulus decisions for policymakers, with inflation hitting 45-month highs.