China Growth Mixed as Factory Output Jumps, Consumption Lags

(Bloomberg) — China’s economic growth was buoyed by strength in factory output and investment at the start of the year, while a revival in consumption continues to show more muted progress.

Industrial output rose 7% in January-February from the same period a year earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics said Monday, much faster than economist estimates. Growth in fixed-asset investment accelerated to 4.2%, also stronger than forecasts. Retail sales increased 5.5%, roughly in line with projections.