China's property market decline dampens spending recovery in May, posing a challenge to Beijing's economic goals
Money | June 17, 2024, 2:43 a.m.
China's government data revealed a 4% increase in fixed-asset investment in the first five months of 2024, posing challenges for the economy aiming for a 5% growth target this year. Property investment declined by 10.1%, exacerbating the struggling real estate market. Despite this, retail sales grew by 3.7% last month, exceeding expectations, but automobile sales dropped by 1.4%. Industrial output also saw a 5.6% increase year-on-year. Experts warn that China's housing issues require more substantial solutions and that current supports are insufficient. Analysts predict a 4.8% growth for China in 2024 without further interventions. The impact of US-imposed trade tariffs on Chinese goods may prompt a shift towards domestic market focus. Overall, the Chinese economy faces multiple challenges and uncertainties despite some areas showing signs of improvement.