From January to September 2016, government spending rose 12.5 percent compared to the same period a year earlier while revenues increased by 5.9 percent.
Fixed-asset investment grew by 8.2 percent year-on-year, compared to a 8.1 percent rise in the first eight months of 2016 and in line with estimates. While investment by state firms jumped by 21.1 percent year-on-year; those by private firms rose 2.5 percent, accelerating from a record low of 2.1 percent in January to August.
In September, retail sales rose 10.7 percent year-on-year, compared to a 10.6 percent increase in August. It was the fastest growth since December 2015 and slightly above consensus of a 10.6 percent rise. Sales grew for all categories: building materials (+14.2 percent), automobiles (+13.1 percent), personal care (+12.5 percent), office supplies (+10.4 percent), furniture (+8.7 percent), home appliances (+8.6 percent), cosmetics (+7.7 percent), garments (+6.7 percent), telecoms (+5.1 percent), jewelry (+5.0 percent) and oil. oil products (+2.9 percent).
Industrial production went up 6.1 percent from a year earlier, slowing from a 6.3 percent growth in August and missing market expectations of a 6.4 percent rise. Output rose the most in electricity, gas and water production (+7.3 percent), followed by manufacturing (+6.5 percent) and mining (+0.1 percent).
Figures released earlier showed exports tumbled 10.0 percent year-on-year to USD184.51 billion in September 2016, compared to a 2.8 percent drop in the prior month while market estimated a 3.0 percent drop. In the last twelve months exports rose only in March (+10.7 percent). Imports unexpectedly dropped by 1.9 percent to USD142.52 billion, following a 1.5 percent rise in August and missing expectations of a 1.0 percent growth.
Considering the first nine months of 2016, the services sector expanded 7.6 percent while the industry sector grew at a slower 6.1 percent.
From January to September 2016, final consumption accounted for 71.0 percent of Chinese economy. Meanwhile, investment contributed 36.8 percent of growth and net exports were a 7.8 percent drag on growth.
For 2016, the Chinese government is targeting the economy to grow between 6.5 to 7.0 percent. A year earlier, the economy expanded by 6.9 percent, the weakest since 1990.
On a quarterly basis, the GDP advanced 1.8 percent, compared to an upwardly revised 1.9 percent expansion in the June quarter and matching market consensus.