China’s growth cools to 4.3% as investment slump deepens

China’s economy grew 4.3% in Q2, the slowest pace in over three years, as urban fixed-asset investment fell 5.7% in the first half. June saw retail sales rise 1% and industrial output advance 5.3%, signaling a mixed rebound amid weak domestic demand. With Beijing’s full-year target at 4.5–5% and growth likely undershooting it, policymakers are expected to roll out stimulus in Q3, potentially including a rate cut to spur investment, while unemployment hovered around 5% in June.