China's GDP Growth at 4.3% in Q2 2026 Calls for Stimulus Action

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.3% in Q2 2026, slower than the 5% growth in Q1 2026 and below the 4.5% forecast from economists. Investment in urban fixed-assets, including real estate and infrastructure, fell by 5.7% in the first half of the year. Retail sales rose by 1% in June, rebounding from a drop in May, while industrial production increased by 5.3%. These figures indicate a struggling economy, prompting expectations for increased policy stimulus, which is critical for investor confidence.