China's Economic Growth Slows Amid Trade Tensions

China's economic growth slowed to 4.8% in the third quarter, its weakest pace in a year, due to persistent problems in the property market and flared trade tensions with the US. The growth figure marked a slowdown from the annual rate of 5.2% seen in the three months to July. Despite government support measures, China's property sector continued to struggle, with real estate investment falling 13.9% in the year up to September. The latest data comes ahead of a gathering of China's top leaders to discuss the country's economic blueprint over the next five years. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to meet Chinese officials this week to ease tensions and set up a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The Asia-Pacific markets opened higher on Monday as investors reacted to China's latest economic data and developments in Japan's government. China's GDP growth met expectations, rising 4.8% in the third quarter compared to the previous year. Japan's Nikkei 225 surged nearly 3% after the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Restoration Party agreed to form a coalition government. Other markets in the region also saw gains, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index up over 2% and South Korea's Kospi adding 0.36%. The positive momentum follows a strong finish on Wall Street the previous Friday, with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all closing higher.

China's economy grew 4.8% in the third quarter, matching forecasts, but fixed-asset investment unexpectedly fell by 0.5% in the first nine months of the year, sparking concerns about the economy's growth prospects. Industrial production grew 6.5% in September, exceeding expectations, while retail sales rose 3%, matching forecasts. Experts warn that the weakness in investment spending, particularly in the private sector, reflects a lack of confidence in the economy's growth prospects and government policies. China's top leaders are meeting to discuss policy and development goals for the next five years, with a focus on shifting the economy towards domestic consumption and developing homegrown technology.

European stocks are expected to start the week positively, with the FTSE, DAX, CAC 40, and FTSE MIB indices predicted to rise. The previous week's volatility was driven by concerns over bad loans on Wall Street, particularly affecting U.S. banks like Zions and Western Alliance. Despite this, European banks have shown solid results so far, with a 40% increase this year. The week's earnings reports will include major companies like L'Oreal, SAP, and Barclays. U.S. stock futures rose overnight ahead of significant earnings reports and inflation data, including the September consumer price index. Asia-Pacific markets also traded higher following China's GDP growth data, which met expectations.

Several asset managers, including Candriam and RBC BlueBay Asset Management, are betting against the pound due to concerns over the UK's economic outlook. The UK is facing challenges such as faltering growth, stubborn inflation, and a looming fiscal headache in the upcoming budget. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is expected to hike taxes and cut spending, which could further impact the economy. The IMF's World Economic Outlook indicated that UK inflation would average 3.4% this year, higher than other developed economies. The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is set to meet on November 6 to decide on interest rates.

Stock futures rose on Sunday night as investors awaited major earnings reports and inflation data. The move was supported by a report that President Trump had exempted dozens of products from tariffs and was willing to exempt more. The market had been volatile due to tensions between the US and China, but comments from Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested a potential trade deal. Investors are also monitoring the ongoing US government shutdown and its potential impact on quarterly GDP growth. Several major companies are set to report earnings this week, including Netflix, Coca-Cola, and Tesla.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is celebrating three years in office with her conservative Brothers of Italy party in a strong political position. While Italy has overtaken the UK in GDP per capita at purchasing-power parity, the country's economic outlook remains challenging. The article discusses Meloni's political success and the economic context in Italy, comparing it to other European issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and political turmoil in France.

China's leader Xi Jinping is convening the fourth plenum, a key political meeting to chart the country's rise amidst purges and US frictions. The meeting will review China's upcoming five-year plan, focusing on economic security, technological innovation, and addressing economic challenges. Xi's leadership is navigating an increasingly hostile global landscape, with US trade frictions and restrictions on Chinese technology access. The plenum may also include personnel reshuffles, with potential appointments to key roles vacated by purged officials. China's economic growth slowed to 4.8% in the third quarter, and the country faces challenges such as production overcapacity, deflation, and a rapidly aging population. Xi is expected to stay the course, making targeted adjustments to ensure 'high-quality development' for the rest of the decade.

China's economy grew 1.1% in the third quarter, driven by strong exports and investment in new factories, despite a decline in retail sales and a continued slump in the housing market. The government's efforts to stimulate consumer spending have been hindered by local governments' reduced spending on subsidies. Economists expect the Chinese leadership to announce measures to boost consumer spending and reinforce government-led construction projects.

The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding Chinese President Xi Jinping's succession plan, as he has not named a clear heir apparent despite being in power for 13 years. The Communist Party's Central Committee is meeting behind closed doors to refine a plan for China's development, but speculation about Xi's future is highly sensitive and censored. Experts believe that Xi faces a dilemma in choosing a successor, as naming one risks creating a rival center of power, while failing to do so could jeopardize his legacy. Xi has packed the Politburo Standing Committee with allies, but they are too old to be plausible heirs. The article suggests that Xi's successor may be an official born in the 1970s, currently working in a provincial administration or central government agency.

As China prepares its next 5-year plan, policymakers are reevaluating the importance of GDP growth as a benchmark for economic success. While GDP has been a key driver of China's economic rise, slowing growth rates and a shift towards 'high-quality development' have led to a broader consideration of economic indicators. The upcoming 15th five-year plan may further shift perspectives on GDP's role, with some analysts arguing that maintaining a certain growth rate remains crucial, even if the focus has moved from the number itself to how it is achieved.

China's economy grew 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025, bringing the yearly growth to 5.2%, which is in line with expectations and the annual target of 'around 5%'. Although the growth rate decelerated from the previous quarter, analysts believe further policy support is needed to maintain stability and improve domestic demand. The release of the GDP figure coincided with the opening day of the fourth plenum, where President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party's Central Committee will discuss the 15th five-year plan.

The Hong Kong stock market experienced a significant surge on Monday, driven by optimism surrounding US-China trade talks and China's economic growth. The Hang Seng Index rose by 2.4% to 25,854.98 at the noon break, while the Hang Seng Tech Index jumped 3.2%. This rebound follows Friday's steepest loss since April. China's GDP growth for the third quarter was 4.8% year-on-year, bringing the first nine months' growth to 5.2%, nearing the annual target. Key companies such as NetEase, AIA Group, and Alibaba Group Holding saw significant gains, while Chow Tai Fook and Longfor Group Holdings experienced losses. China's economic plans for the next five years are set to be decided at a closed-door meeting starting on Monday.

Liu Qian, founder of Wusawa Advisory and former managing director of The Economist Group in Greater China, discusses Chinese innovation, the US-China rivalry, and the role of women in policymaking in an interview with South China Morning Post. She argues that the impact of US tariffs on Chinese exports is overemphasized, as exports to the US make up only a small proportion of China's GDP. Liu also highlights the need to look beyond geopolitics and build a culture that celebrates success.

China's economy grew at its slowest pace in a year during the third quarter, expanding 4.8 percent compared to the same period last year. The slowdown is attributed to the ongoing trade war with the United States, with exports being the bright spot but domestic demand remaining weak. The Chinese government has set a growth target of 'about 5 percent' for the year, but experts say the real growth rate is likely weaker. The economic data was released as top policymakers convened in Beijing to set the national agenda for the next five years, and as Chinese leader Xi Jinping prepares to meet President Donald Trump.