China’s Industrial Output and Retail Sales Surge, Boosting Recovery Hopes

China’s economic outlook shows improvement as industrial output and retail sales beat expectations in October. Industrial output accelerated to 4.6%, the highest since April, surpassing the forecasted 4.4%. Retail sales, a key consumption indicator, rose by 7.6%, outperforming predictions and marking the fastest growth since May. Despite these positive signals, analysts remain cautious, citing challenges in the property sector and the need for major reforms. The government’s efforts to stimulate the economy, including potential reserve requirement ratio cuts, indicate a proactive approach to sustaining growth amid persistent uncertainties.

Analysis: China’s RRReminder that economies remain fragile

China’s decision on Friday to give its economy a 1 trillion yuan ($154 billion) shot in the arm has given investors a reminder that even the largest economies are likely to need the occasional pick-me-up while the coronavirus pandemic lasts.

Bitcoin steadies in Asia trading after Monday’s plunge

Bitcoin stabilised in Asian trading on Tuesday morning a day after a statement from China’s central bank reaffirming the ongoing crackdown on cryptocurrencies in the country sent the world’s largest token to a two-week low.