Investment in China unexpectedly cooled last month while industrial output and consumption barely picked up, indicating the economy still lacks a strong momentum to rebound.
Industrial production gained 9.3%, faster than the 8.9% growth in March, possibly reflecting two extra working days in April this year.
Though retail sales growth picked up slightly, to 12.8% in April from March’s 12.6% year-on-year growth, the data was distorted by frenzied shopping for gold products after the metal’s price dropped significantly last month.
~ SCMP, May 14, 2013 ~