Headline: China’s Housing Slide Deepens in October as Output and Investment Cool
China’s latest economic readings point to mounting pressure at home. New-home prices recorded their largest monthly drop in a year, while industrial output and retail spending slowed, reinforcing expectations that Beijing will roll out targeted stimulus to stabilize growth.
Official October figures showed new-home prices fell 0.45% month over month, underscoring the continued property market downturn. Industrial production rose 4.9% year on year, easing from September and missing market forecasts, and retail sales grew a modest 2.9%. Fixed-asset investment declined 1.7% in the year to date through October, a weaker outcome than economists anticipated. While authorities highlighted steady performance in emerging industries, they also acknowledged persistent domestic and external headwinds as the economy undergoes structural adjustment.
Economists say real estate remains the biggest drag on activity, citing weak developer investment, a glut of existing homes and cautious consumer sentiment. Policy support is expected to remain selective, with more capital likely to flow into infrastructure spending, advanced manufacturing and industrial upgrading. That approach aims to offset property-sector weakness and support the broader economy without fueling financial imbalances.
Key Points – New-home prices fell 0.45% m/m in October, the steepest drop in a year – Industrial production rose 4.9% y/y, slowing from September and missing expectations – Retail sales increased 2.9% y/y, signaling softer consumer demand – Fixed-asset investment declined 1.7% year to date through October – Housing remains the main drag due to weak investment and excess second-hand supply – Targeted stimulus is expected, focused on infrastructure and advanced manufacturing
