China’s Economy Strains Under Disappointing Data

China’s economy showed more signs of strain Monday as the country published weak data for industrial output, investment and retail sales, amid a lingering trade war with the United States.

Industrial output grew by 4.4 percent year-on-year throughout August, falling to its lowest level in 17 years and down from 4.8 percent in July.

The figure was well below analyst expectations, with a Bloomberg survey of analysts predicting heartier growth of 5.2 percent.

“We must be aware that international instabilities and uncertainties are increasing significantly, and that at home economic structural issues are still prominent and the downward pressures on (the) economy are mounting,” said Fu Linghui, a spokesman for the National Bureau of Statistics, which released the data.

Retail sales also slipped to post growth of 7.5 percent — 0.1 percent down on the previous month and a knock to Beijing’s aims to boost domestic consumption.

Florida city says new GOP-backed DEI law blocks St. Patrick’s parade, Pride event

GOP senator says Republicans can ‘forget 2028’ as party looks to reclaim Upper Chamber

DNA Links Grizzly Bear Mom and Her Cubs to Fatal Mother-Daughter Mauling – All 4 Bears Hunted Down and Killed

Cape-Wearing Leftist Arrested at Texas University for Allegedly Striking 3 with Cane at TPUSA Event

Suspected DUI driver arrested on 3 murder counts after deadly North Hollywood crash, police say

Twice-deported United cockpit suspect granted asylum after transgender persecution claim: DHS

As Ilhan Omar Gloats Over Islamic Wins, Idaho Muslim Sentenced for Plot to Massacre Christians with Explosives, Knives, Firearms

Illegal immigrant arrested after dragging, striking ICE officer in Chicago suburb: DHS

Jeffries leaves door open to investigating major Trump ally as Democrats prepare to take power

ESPN’s Rex Ryan Jailed, Accused of Hitting 2 with His Truck and Fleeing the Scene

Hakeem Jeffries faces progressive holdouts but no rival as House speaker race takes shape

Watch: Tentacled UFO Caught on Wild Viral Video and Reported Near Military, But the Possible Truth May Disappoint

At least 9 new Dem members will carry Al Green’s mantle and try to impeach President Trump

At least 10 new Dem members will carry Al Green’s mantle and try to impeach President Trump

House Freedom Caucus Member Unloads on Fellow Republicans After Midterm Debacle: ‘Nobody Listened to Us!’

Investment in fixed assets saw year-on-year growth of 5.5 percent in the first eight months of the year, 0.2 percent less than the first seven months, including a slight dip in crucial real estate investment.

All three sets of data fell short of analyst expectations, with Bloomberg predicting 7.9 percent growth in retail sales and 5.7 percent growth in investments.

China’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 6.2 percent in the second quarter of the year — the weakest pace in almost three decades.

“For China to maintain growth of 6.0 percent or more is very difficult against the current backdrop of a complicated international situation and a relatively high base, and this rate is at the forefront of the world’s leading economies,” Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was quoted as saying in an interview with Russian media which was published on the Chinese government’s website.

The People’s Bank of China said earlier this month that it would cut the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve, in a bid to release more money into the stuttering economy.