China's Q2 GDP Growth Slows to 4.3%, Missing Forecasts
China's economy grew at a 4.3% annual rate in the second quarter of 2026, the slowest pace since late 2022 and below the 5.0% expansion in the first quarter. Official data missed market forecasts, reflecting headwinds from a deepening property sector crisis, oil price shocks, and weak domestic demand. The weak growth intensifies calls for more stimulus, but Beijing has signaled a calibrated approach to avoid exacerbating structural imbalances. Analysts highlight persistent unemployment and cautious consumer spending as key drags, with the economy facing its worst quarterly performance in over three years. The slowdown underscores challenges to China's growth ambitions amid global uncertainty.
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