According to the National Bureau of Statistics, production volumes at China’s factories and mines in July grew at the slowest pace since November, rising only 5.7% year-on-year compared to 6.8% in June. Retail sales increased by 3.7%, marking the lowest figure this year, while fixed-asset investment slowed to 1.6% over the first seven months. The yuan remained stable, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index fell by 1.5%.

The latest economic data show that China’s growth momentum is weakening after strong figures earlier this year, allowing Beijing to take a wait-and-see approach regarding further stimulus measures.