WS News
19 Oct 2026, 09:26
China Q3 Growth Beats Expectations as Industrial Output Strengthens
China’s economy expanded 4.5% year over year in the third quarter, slightly above the 4.4% consensus estimate and accelerating from 4.3% previously.
On a quarter-over-quarter basis, GDP grew 1.2%, also beating expectations of 1.1% and improving from 0.9% in the second quarter.
Industrial production provided additional support, rising 5.5% year over year in September versus the 5.4% forecast and 5.2% previously. The unemployment rate also improved to 5.2% from 5.3%, better than the 5.3% consensus.
The main weak spot remained fixed-asset investment, which fell 7.2% year over year. While this was marginally better than the 7.3% decline expected, it was unchanged from the previous reading.
Overall, the data point to firmer near-term economic momentum in China, with stronger GDP growth, industrial activity and employment conditions offset by persistent weakness in investment.
China’s economy expanded 4.5% year over year in the third quarter, slightly above the 4.4% consensus estimate and accelerating from 4.3% previously.
On a quarter-over-quarter basis, GDP grew 1.2%, also beating expectations of 1.1% and improving from 0.9% in the second quarter.
Industrial production provided additional support, rising 5.5% year over year in September versus the 5.4% forecast and 5.2% previously. The unemployment rate also improved to 5.2% from 5.3%, better than the 5.3% consensus.
The main weak spot remained fixed-asset investment, which fell 7.2% year over year. While this was marginally better than the 7.3% decline expected, it was unchanged from the previous reading.
Overall, the data point to firmer near-term economic momentum in China, with stronger GDP growth, industrial activity and employment conditions offset by persistent weakness in investment.
