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Navigating China’s Economic Storm: Shrinking Profits and Property Market Turmoil

China Faces Increasing Growth Risks as Property Market Struggles Combine with Weak Industrial Profits

By Bob Mason | November 27, 2025

China’s outlook shows strain. The stress grows in the property sector and weak industrial profits slow the pace. US–China trade tensions ease, yet corporate earnings, retail sales, and property signals worry Beijing as it aims for 5% GDP growth in 2025. Industrial Profits Fall Short Amid Margin Pressures

On November 27, data shows industrial profits grew only 1.9% year-to-date through October. This growth pace slows from September’s 3.2% and misses the 3.8% that economists expected. A brief rebound in August and September had raised hope for stronger activity.

Lower profits put pressure on industrial firms. Soft demand from abroad and high production costs make margins lean. This pressure may force firms to cut wages or jobs, which in turn can cool household spending. Retail sales slowed from 3.0% in September to 2.9% in October. The drop contrasts with May’s 6.4%, even after government actions to boost spending by using subsidies and fiscal measures.

Persistent Property Market Woes Compound Economic Pressures

The housing sector shows renewed stress. This sector once added nearly 25% of GDP. State-backed developer Vanke saw its bonds drop by over 20% before trading halted on five bonds. Analysts compare this drop to early-year swings when default fears sent shockwaves.

Credit experts see two paths for Vanke. One path skips a government rescue and leads to deep financial loss. The other expects central support to calm the market. Since Vanke is a large developer, its health reflects the state of the broader market.

The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index fell 0.21% on November 26. It slipped another 0.48% in early trading on November 27, even if Beijing sent policy signals. Some measures under discussion include mortgage subsidies for first-time buyers, more income tax rebates for holders, and lower transaction costs to keep housing demand steady and stop more decline.

Corporate Earnings Echo Demand and Margin Challenges

Chinese automaker Li Auto reported third-quarter results on November 26. The report shows a 36.2% drop in revenue over the year because vehicle deliveries sank by 39%. Li Auto ended the quarter with a net loss. It expects 100,000 to 110,000 vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter.

Trade Progress Fails to Offset Domestic Economic Challenges

US–China trade relations have improved, and leaders from both sides hint at calmer trade by year-end. The easing of export restrictions helps world trade. Yet, data from China shows weak domestic demand and a soft housing market continue to trouble the economy.

Market Reaction and Outlook

China’s stock markets rose as trade tensions eased and policy hints appeared. The CSI 300 index climbed 0.72% to 4,550 on November 27. The index nears a three-day rise and may test its 2025 high of 4,762 if the trend holds. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index grew a bit too. It enjoyed a four-day rise but stayed below its October top.

Experts watch the coming data. The National Bureau of Statistics’ private sector Purchasing Managers’ Index is one sign. A weak PMI could put more doubt on China’s growth targets and force policymakers to act with new stimulus steps.

Conclusion

China’s growth path grows more uncertain. Industrial margin pressures mix with housing market stress to test Beijing’s goals. Policymakers now must balance fiscal and monetary aid to boost demand without causing more issues. Improved trade news brings hope, yet the home market and internal demand now have a key role in the rest of 2025. — End —

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China’s Economic Revival: Optimism Grows Amid US Trade Talks, But Housing Market Woes Linger

China’s Economic Outlook Brightens Amid US Trade Talks but Housing Slump Persists

By Bob Mason | Published: November 25, 2025

US and China now talk. Leaders meet to ease trade issues. This call builds hope in financial markets. Yet China fights a long drop in housing. A weak home market lowers buyer trust and spending.

Improved US-China Trade Dialogue Lifts Market Sentiment

On November 24, President Trump of the US spoke by phone with President Xi of China. They met earlier at the G20 summit on October 30. The call came off as a positive step. Trump used his social site, X, to share his views. He wrote, "I had a very good call with President Xi. We spoke on Ukraine, Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans, and more. Our bond with China is very strong! This call follows our strong meeting in South Korea. Since then, both sides have kept our current points. Now we look at the wider picture."

The leaders agreed to hold more top-level talks. Trump plans a visit to Beijing in April. Xi will meet US leaders later this year. These talks ease fears of ending the one-year trade pause set last October. That pause gave stocks a boost in China.

Persisting Trade Policy Uncertainties

The call sounded good, but some trade points stayed unsolved. Neither side mentioned the 47% US tax on some Chinese goods. They also skipped the US chip supply limits for China. These gaps add weight to trade troubles. Commerce head Howard Lutnick said that a decision on letting Nvidia sell advanced AI chips to China now waits for President Trump. If export limits ease and China moves on rare earth exports, tax cuts might occur soon. For now, the trade break stays fragile.

Housing Market Troubles Drag on China’s Domestic Economy

Even as trade stress falls, China still faces home market pain. The property market drops and affects buyer trust and spending. Reports show Beijing studies steps to help the market. Ideas include mortgage support for first-time buyers, better income tax rebates for those with loans, and lower transaction costs for homebuyers. These plans have been under study since the third quarter of 2025 but have not stopped falling sales and prices.

Data show the problem clearly. Fixed-asset investment fell 1.7% over the first ten months of 2025. In October, investment dropped 12%, after five months of slow declines. The home sector led this fall with a 14.7% drop. Retail sales grew only 2.9% in October, down from 3.0% in September and far less than 6.4% in May. This drop shows a spillover from the weak home market to general spending.

Pessimism from Property Market Analysts

John Lam of UBS now sees the market in a worse light. He predicts falling prices for at least two more years as demand weakens. Many homebuyers in the past decade now face losses, which further reduce family wealth and spending. While mortgage support might ease some strain, such help works only if home prices stabilize. If prices keep falling, these steps may not restore buyer trust.

Markets React to Easing Trade Tensions

Softer trade talks helped stocks in both China and Hong Kong. On November 25, the CSI 300 index rose by 0.48% to 4,469 in early trade. Losses for November narrowed to 3.65%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index climbed by 0.84%. That rise moved the index into slight monthly gains of 0.11%. Even as trade talks lift investor hope, many watch how Beijing will act to boost its home economy.

Looking Ahead

The coming months will test China’s future. Keeping a trade pause and moving toward tax cuts may support export jobs. At the same time, reviving the home market and boosting local spending remains key to reaching a 5% GDP rise in 2025. Investors will track industrial profits, manager surveys, and policy news. They will watch closely to see if China can build enough strength to face its challenges.

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The Impact of Delayed US Jobs Data on Economic Policymaking: A Growing Challenge for Market Stability

Delays in US Jobs Data Weaken the Quality of US Policymaking

By Dennis Shen, Published November 21, 2025

The October report was canceled. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not drop separate payroll numbers. They merged some figures into November’s report. This cancellation happens for the first time. A long government shutdown and deep political splits pushed this decision.

Impact of Data Delays on Economic Transparency and Market Stability

The missing report hides the real state of the market. Market players need clear data to know the economy now. Uncertainty grows as news of the October inflation report stays silent. The gap in data makes risk hard to judge at a sensitive point. Reliable numbers help keep markets calm and guide sound monetary and fiscal steps.

Consequences for Policymakers and the Federal Reserve

The November employment report comes on December 16. That is after the Federal Reserve’s rate pick on December 10. This delay stops the Fed from using the freshest job numbers. In its place, policymakers must use state data and private studies. Such numbers do not show the full picture of the economy.

Insights from the Belated September Jobs Report

The September report, shared late on November 20, shows the job market before the shutdown. Employers added 119,000 jobs that month. This number beat forecasts and followed a loss of 4,000 jobs in August. The labor force still grew despite worries over fewer workers. New jobless claims dropped to 220,000, matching their lowest level since September. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.4% from 4.3%. Payroll counts for July and August were lowered by 33,000 jobs in total. Claims for unemployment benefits rose again in early November. Overall, the data point to a stronger job market than first thought, even if these numbers are already old.

Looking Ahead

The Federal Reserve now faces a tough choice without fresh November data before its December 10 meeting. It must draw much from side sources and careful judgment. Swift and solid job numbers keep markets smooth. The recent delays push policymakers into a hard spot in one of the world’s most-watched economies.

About the Author:
Dennis Y. Shen is the Chair of the Macroeconomic Council and Lead Global Economist at Scope Ratings. Based in Berlin, Germany, he runs credit checks across many sectors, such as sovereign, public agency, financial groups, companies, and structured finance.

For more insights and the latest economic events, visit the economic calendar.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not serve as financial advice. Please talk with professional advisors before making any financial decisions.

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Nvidia Earnings Power Up the Stock Market: A Surge in Tech Confidence

Why Is the Stock Market Up Today? Nvidia Earnings Propel Tech Rally

November 20, 2025 — U.S. stocks climbed on Thursday as Nvidia showed strong quarterly numbers. The report from the chip maker gave a clear sign, and investors saw new hope in the AI field. Gains spread across key indexes.

Nvidia’s Explosive Earnings Report

Nvidia showed a 62% jump in revenue compared to last year. The company reached $57 billion this quarter. The earnings per share came in at $1.30, past the $1.26 prediction. The firm also gave guidance that signals about $65 billion in revenue next quarter against the $62 billion estimate. CEO Jensen Huang stressed that demand for AI systems stays high. The company said its cloud GPUs are all booked, and sales on its new Blackwell GPUs grow fast.

AI Infrastructure Spending Drives Growth

Big cloud firms spend heavily on AI gear. Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Google are set to spend over $380 billion on AI this year. Nvidia’s data center income hit $51.2 billion. That is a 25% rise from last quarter and 66% more than last year. On the earnings call, CFO Colette Kress pointed to clear gains from these investments. She mentioned Meta’s stronger user activity with AI engines, Anthropic’s expected $7 billion yearly revenue, and a 30% jump in productivity at Salesforce from AI coding help. These details show that money spent on AI gives results.

Market Response: Broad-Based Rally

Nvidia’s report boosted the market widely. The tech sector grew by 1.6%. Nvidia’s stock went up 2.56% to $192.29. Other chip names such as Broadcom gained 4.77% while AMD also moved up. The seven large tech companies moved higher too: Alphabet Class C climbed 3.31% and Tesla rose 4.27%.
Other sectors did well as well. Communication Services moved up 1.95%, Energy by 1.61%, and Consumer Discretionary by 1.51%. Some stocks jumped high too. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals soared 6.69% and Diamondback Energy increased 3.62%.

Index Gains at a Glance

At 16:54 GMT, major indexes showed this clear mood:

  • S&P 500: +1.38% at 6,733.68
  • Nasdaq Composite: +1.76% at 22,962.12
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: +1.15% at 46,669.98

Renewed Confidence in AI Spending Durability

Investors now worry less about a burst in AI spending. Nvidia has more than $500 billion in GPU orders for 2025 and 2026. CFO Kress said that this number may rise. This helps cut some doubts about ongoing AI demand. Analysts view these numbers as clear signs that spending on AI will keep driving growth.

Outlook

Hyperscale companies keep investing fast. Nvidia’s strong report builds trust for the AI gear market. Investors will watch other tech firms to see if this strong pace can hold.

James Hyerczyk, a U.S.-based technical analyst with over 40 years of market work, wrote this report.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not count as investment advice. Readers should do their own research and talk with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Economic Outlook Dims: U.S. Employment Growth Slows as Manufacturing Faces Setbacks

Employment Growth Slows as Regional Manufacturing Returns to Contraction, Signaling Economic Cooling

November 20, 2025 — New data on jobs and factories from the United States show a slowdown in economic strength. Employment growth slows while regional manufacturing slips into contraction. Market experts watch these signs as hints of more easing soon.

U.S. Payroll Growth Moderates

Data from November 20 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nonfarm payrolls grew by 119,000 jobs in September. The rate is lower than before, and the unemployment rate stays at 4.4%.

Hourly pay rose 0.2% to $36.67. Annual wage growth holds at 3.8%. Weekly work hours stayed at 34.2. A government shutdown delay changed the release time, yet most survey work ended before the delay.

The household survey counted 7.6 million unemployed people. Long-term unemployment held at 1.8 million, which is 23.6% of the jobless group. Labor force participation moved up to 62.4% while the employment-to-population ratio stayed at 59.7%.

Job gains came mainly in healthcare (+43,000), food services (+37,000), and social assistance (+14,000). Jobs in transportation and warehousing dropped by 25,000. Storage lost 11,000 jobs and courier services lost 7,000. Federal government jobs fell by 3,000, which makes the year-to-date drop 97,000. Regional Manufacturing Activity Contracts Again

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s November Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey shows a weak region of manufacturing.
The overall activity index, which is now -1.7, stayed below zero though it improved from past months. New orders (-8.6) and shipments (-8.7) also fell. This move into negative marks lower demand. The index for employment climbed to 6.0. Sixteen percent of firms report more hiring, but the average workweek dropped to 3.7. Price pressures persist but with less force. The prices paid index grew to 56.1 while prices received sank to 17.7. Firms also cut down their expected selling price for the next year to 3.0% from 4.1%. The six-month outlook index climbed to 49.6, its highest mark in a year.

Market Implications: A Bearish Near-Term Outlook

Soft payroll growth and selected job gains come with lower manufacturing orders and shipments. Wage growth stays steady. Business views of rising prices now soften.

Analysts see these numbers as signs that the economic push is weakening. These signs may cause market players to get ready for a softer economy or changes in monetary policy.

In sum, the latest reports on jobs and manufacturing show a careful U.S. economic scene. Limited job gains and lower industrial demand make near-term growth less strong.

—
About the Author:
James Hyerczyk is a seasoned U.S.-based technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading. He focuses on chart patterns and price movement, has written two books on technical analysis, and holds strong knowledge in both futures and stock markets.

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China’s Market Turmoil: PBoC’s Rate Pause Fuels Economic Uncertainty and Investor Doubts

China Markets Struggle Amid Policy Uncertainty as PBoC Holds Rates Steady

By Bob Mason | Published: November 20, 2025, 03:22 GMT

China markets face pressure. The People’s Bank of China held key rates. This move raises doubt on Beijing policy. China sees slow growth. Signs drop and voices call for fresh aid. Domestic demand stays weak.

Economic Challenges Shadow Growth Prospects

New data shows a slow recovery. Retail sales grew 3.0% in September but slid to 2.9% in October. Growth fell after a 6.4% surge in May. The housing market feels stress. There is no sign of a quick rebound. These issues lower consumer trust. Domestic spending suffers and misses the 5% GDP aim for 2025. Exports lose strength too. Exports dropped 1.1% in October after an 8.3% jump the month before. Low global demand and trade strains hold back growth. Car exports, however, push ahead with low prices.

PBoC’s Pause Fuels Market Caution

In these conditions, the PBoC kept rates unchanged. Both the one-year and five-year Loan Prime Rates stayed at 3% and 3.5%. These rates set the pace for loans to companies, families, and for housing. Many had hoped for lower rates to boost demand. The choice to hold rates lowered investor hope. Major stock indexes then lost ground. The CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite dropped after early gains.

Observers link the pause to Beijing’s careful stance amid tough pressures. This rate hold comes as US-China talks near rare earth export issues. Rare earths tie to electric vehicles and tech parts.

Trade Talks and Rare Earth Exports in Focus

US-China talks grab attention. Leaders hint at a rare earth deal before Thanksgiving. Some doubt China will give up control of its key resources. Customs data shows rare earth shipments fell in October to the lowest level since June. This drop occurs amid ongoing trade strains. A brief pause in export limits from leaders’ talks in October now feels fragile. China’s hold on these metals may pressure US car makers. A break in talks can stir global risks.

Equity Markets Tread Carefully Amid Uncertainty

Mainland stock markets show some steadiness. The CSI 300 Index fell 0.78% in November after a flat October. A small rebound earlier in the week offered brief hope. Still, traders stay cautious as they watch trade moves.

The Hang Seng Index also slipped 0.21% in November. Investors now check if rare earth progress can cut US duties on Chinese goods. A change could push up the Beijing stock rally that began earlier this year.

Upcoming Data and Outlook

The next week will hold key data. Investors scan for signs of recovery or deeper weakness. On November 27, industrial profit numbers for January to October are due. Experts predict a 3.8% rise, up from 3.2% in September. A rise in profit may show lower cost pressure and better demand. This signal may support jobs and boost spending.

On November 30, the private sector Purchasing Managers’ Index comes out. These numbers will show how low US duties and trade talks shape Chinese exports and growth.

Conclusion

China deals with weak domestic demand, a stressed housing market, and careful monetary moves amid tricky US trade talks. The PBoC decision to hold rates shows Beijing is wary. Investors now look for clear signals.

Trade talks and new data will set the market tone. China’s growth and stock moves are not sure. Fresh measures from Beijing may restore trust and help reach the 2025 growth goal.

Bob Mason brings over 28 years of experience covering global financial markets and economic policy analysis.

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Nvidia’s Stellar Earnings Propel Nasdaq: Unpacking the Tech Surge and AI Demand

Nasdaq Composite Rises as Nvidia Hits a Strong Quarter, Lifting Tech Mood and After-Hours Trades

By James Hyerczyk
Published: November 19, 2025, 21:56 GMT

Nvidia reported strong earnings that pushed the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite upward. The news lifted the mood among investors and sparked a rise in trading after hours. The semiconductor leader beat Wall Street numbers and gave clear guidance for the next quarter. The report shows a high demand for its AI products.

Solid Earnings and Guidance Boost Investor Hope

Nvidia earned $1.30 per share after adjustments and beat forecasts of $1.25. Its revenue hit $57.01 billion, more than the $54.92 billion expected. The report also looked ahead, expecting about $65 billion in fourth-quarter sales, well over the consensus of $61.66 billion.

This clear view helped investors feel more hopeful. After hours, Nvidia shares went up around 4%. The company’s net income jumped 65% year-over-year to $31.91 billion. This gain shows that Nvidia stays strong in the fast-growing AI market.

Strong Growth in Data Centers Pushes Sales Higher

Nvidia’s data center unit led the overall growth. This part of the company grew 66% year-over-year and reached $51.2 billion, more than the $49.09 billion predicted by experts. Out of this, $43 billion came from compute products such as graphics processing units (GPUs), while $8.2 billion was from networking sales.

CEO Jensen Huang spoke of a very high demand for its next generation chips. CFO Colette Kress noted that the new chip version is now the firm’s top seller. The data shows that cloud providers keep a strong need for these products. Many cloud GPU items have already sold out.

Steady Gains in Other Areas

Nvidia did well in other parts of its business too. Gaming revenue grew 30% to reach $4.3 billion as users continue to show strong need. Professional visualization revenue went up by 56% to $760 million thanks to the new DGX Spark AI desktop. The robotics and automotive areas brought in $592 million, a 32% jump from last year. This rise shows that the market for Nvidia’s products is broadening.

Shareholder Rewards

Nvidia gave back to its investors with $12.5 billion in buybacks and $243 million in dividends this past quarter. These moves help keep a positive view in the market.

Looking Ahead

Market watchers now focus on the steady need for AI products and Nvidia’s skill in managing global chip limits. The company’s habit of exceeding estimates and raising guidance makes its case strong in the eyes of both traders and long-term investors.

As Nvidia sets a high mark this quarter, observers will check if the strength continues. Future results must stay solid to support the ongoing rise. For now, the report confirms Nvidia’s strong role in AI and the wider chip field.

James Hyerczyk is a U.S.-based technical analyst and educator with over four decades of experience in market analysis and trading. He specializes in chart patterns and price movements and has authored two books on technical analysis.

Related Reading:

  • S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100: Tech Stocks Lift US Indices as Nvidia Earnings Take Center Stage
  • Fed Minutes Show Deep Division as Traders Brace for an Uncertain December Rate Decision

Disclaimer: This article is for informational use only and should not be seen as financial advice. Investors should do their own research and talk with licensed financial advisors before making any decisions.

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Navigating Uncertainty: Fed Minutes Reveal Deep Divisions Ahead of December Rate Decision

Fed Minutes Reveal Division Among Policymakers as Markets Brace for Uncertain December Rate Decision

By James Hyerczyk | Published November 19, 2025

The Fed’s October meeting notes show clear splits. The document links policymakers with different views. Markets read the Fed’s measured tone as inflation stays high and jobs slow. Traders now wait with care for December’s choice on rates.

A Committee Split on the Path Forward

The notes stress that officials do not agree. In October, the Fed set rates down by 25 points. It paused the sale of assets on December 1. Yet, officials could not all agree on how tight the policy is. They could not agree on views for price rise and growth. The December meeting now stands open. Traders see few pointers as the Fed does not push strong moves.

Inflation Concerns and Divergent Views

Price rise sits at 2.8 percent year by year. Some officials tie the rise to tariff shifts. They think the change will soon fade. Others worry that high prices have stuck around for four years. They see this as a sign of a firm trend. This mix of views builds the debate. If prices drop fast, those who favor softer policy feel they have reason for more cuts. But if prices stay high, those who call for firm policy say that the rate drop came too soon.

Labor Market Signals Mixed

The job scene looks mixed in the notes. Job numbers grow slower. Layoffs stay low, and new hiring is less strong. Some note that tech changes might change how work and output connect. These clear links help shape the Fed’s view. For traders, the key is that while jobs do not fall sharply, they cool enough to back those who push for more rate cuts.

December Rate Decision Looms as a Possible Policy Battle

The notes show that officials express “strongly differing views.” About half lean toward another rate drop in December. They note soft job data and a wish for neutral policy. The other half wants to wait. They point to steady price rise and sound growth. They worry that fast changes might unsettle market views. Markets now give about equal weight to a rate cut or no move. Analysts point to November’s price and job reports as key hints for the final choice, assuming data comes in on time.

Market Implications: Equities, Bonds, and Beyond

In stocks, ending the asset sale and the Fed’s soft tone help some risk makers. Still, the high values in tech, spurred by rush around new tech, may bring sharp shifts. When market gains hinge on a few tech names, change may come fast. Buyers step in on dips, yet gains stay small unless data shines bright.

In bonds, the pause on asset sales cuts supply strain. This should help keep yields in check, mainly on long loans. Still, steady price rise will likely hold a base for long-term rates. A small change in the yield curve may occur at year’s end. The overall shift now rests on what the Fed chooses in December.

Looking Ahead: Data Will Drive the Narrative

To sum up, the October notes show a Fed caught at a fork. The bank gets news in many ways, while views inside differ a lot. With one big step gone from selling assets, one risk for many markets lessens. Still, worries on prices and market worth call for care.

Market watchers must watch November’s reports. These data points seem set to guide the Fed’s last move for 2025. The main idea stays plain: the next step remains in doubt, and the December meeting can set the mood for the months ahead.

About the Author:
James Hyerczyk is a U.S.-based technical expert and teacher with over forty years of market work. He studies chart work and price moves and has written two books on market study. James works with both futures and stock markets.

Disclaimer: The text here is for study and research only. It does not give tips on money matters. Readers should check their own facts and get advice from experts before making choices.

For more study and forecasts, visit FXEmpire’s Markets and Forex sections.

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China’s Economic Woes Deepen: Housing Crisis & Falling Demand Weigh on Growth Prospects

China’s Economic Outlook Weakens as Housing Slump Deepens and Domestic Demand Falters

By Bob Mason – November 14, 2025

China’s outlook dims fast. The economy suffers as the housing market drops and home buying stays weak. October data show house prices falling, retail sales slowing, and lower industrial output. This news adds worry on the world’s second-biggest economy.

Housing Market Continues to Struggle

October numbers show houses losing value. The House Price Index falls 2.2% over one year, the same drop seen in September and a bit more than some expected. CN Wire reports that 61 out of 70 cities record lower prices. Average home costs drop 0.45% from last month, a stronger fall than the 0.41% seen in September.

House price drops press down on consumer mood and home wealth. These trends put heavy weight on China’s growth plans. Beijing faces hard choices as it tries to stir up spending while problems grow at home.

Mixed Economic Indicators Signal Uneven Recovery

Some data bring mixed signs. The official unemployment rate moves from 5.2% in September down to 5.1% in October. This slight fall may hint at a steadier work scene even as private reports point to ongoing job cuts.

Retail sales grow by 2.9% year-over-year in October, just a bit lower than 3% in September. This slow pace follows a 6.4% rise in May. A high base from last year and fewer workdays may explain some of the drop. The figures tell us that weak domestic buying persists. Industrial output rises 4.9% year-over-year in October, down from 6.5% in September. Fixed asset work falls 1.7% for the year so far, a sharper decline than the 0.5% drop seen before. These numbers back the view that China’s growth faces new limits both at home and abroad.

Market Reaction and Policy Expectations

The mix of news sends careful signals to markets. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slips 0.85% to 26,843 after the report. It hit 26,781 early on before climbing slightly. The Mainland Properties Index shows some strength, rising after an early dip. Some hope rests on more help for houses to come soon.

In forex, the Australian dollar gains from the lower job numbers. The AUD/USD moves from around 0.6537 to a high near 0.6549 and then settles at about 0.6548. This swing points to market hope that China will act in turn.

Trade Tensions and Economic Outlook Ahead

Trade problems also weigh on the economy. A one-year trade pause between President Trump and President Xi cut U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to around 47%. That pause has not rebuilt business or consumer trust. Lower external sales squeeze company profits. The squeeze leads firms to cut jobs and weakens local buying further.

Looking ahead, market eyes search for hints that Beijing will add measures to support housing and boost spending. A rise in U.S.-China trade conflicts could darken the view, putting pressure on stocks and slowing the recovery.

Conclusion

China’s path is rough. Falling home prices, weak consumer buying, and slow production all draw a hard picture. Some job figures show small steadiness, yet the overall data stress the need for quick action to support growth and rebuild trust. Investors must keep a close watch as shifts in trade ties and policy now set the future course.

About the author: Bob Mason brings over 28 years of experience in the financial sector, contributing insights on global currencies, commodities, and equities with a focus on European and Asian markets.

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The Economic Fallout: Analyzing the Lasting Effects of the Historic US Government Shutdown

The Final Economic Impact of the Record U.S. Government Shutdown: Analysis and Outlook

By Dennis Shen, Macroeconomic Council, Scope Ratings
Published November 13, 2025

The U.S. government shut down for 43 days. The shutdown ended on Wednesday when the White House approved an emergency funding bill. The federal workers return, and they get all of their back pay. The lost work should soon come back, even though the bill stops federal layoffs only until January 30, 2026. This rule sets up more debates about shutdowns early next year.

Economic Growth Impact and Recovery

Scope Ratings experts see the shutdown cutting U.S. economic output by a few tenths of a percentage point in the last quarter of 2025. They note that the work stoppage and missed services lowered the output. Most of that lost output is expected to return in the first quarter of 2026. The experts now expect U.S. GDP to rise by 2.4% in 2026, up from 2.1% in 2025. Still, some risks to the nation’s growth are present.

Short shutdowns do not usually leave a deep mark. Yet the long shutdown may bring effects that last more. The Congressional Budget Office puts the permanent hit at about $11 billion in lost economic activity. This amount shows that the damage was strong but not disastrous.

Economic Challenges Amid the Shutdown

The shutdown added to the state of the U.S. economy. Slow hiring and high inflation kept problems for both policymakers and households. Key data on jobs and prices was delayed. This delay made the situation seem more uncertain as the Federal Reserve weighs its next rate change.

Some essential services stayed affected. For example, air traffic controllers could not clear flights because they were unpaid and overloaded. This situation led to strict limits at airports. Many travelers cancelled flights, and the travel business suffered lasting losses. The delay in benefit payments for 42 million lower-income Americans on food aid took days to fix. This delay raised social concerns.

Some diners missed meals at restaurants and buyers delayed large purchases. These actions hurt short-term spending. Also, debates on the future of Obamacare bring more money worries for many families as 2026 nears.

Political and Governance Concerns

The shutdown has also shown side issues in government and rising political divisions in Washington, D.C. Scope Ratings lowered the U.S. sovereign credit rating from AA to AA- last month. This change brings to light risks in government and political standstills that might shake economic and fiscal management.

Now that the shutdown is over, attention turns to cutting future risks. The aim is to create a steadier budgeting process that helps keep economic performance and public trust steady.

For more details on today’s economic events and forecasts, please refer to our economic calendar.

About the Author
Dennis Y. Shen is Chair of the Macroeconomic Council and Lead Global Economist at Scope Ratings, based in Berlin, Germany. He works on credit analysis for governments, public sectors, banks, and corporations.

Disclaimer: The content here shows analysis and opinions from Scope Ratings and FXEmpire. It is meant for information and education only. This text is not investment advice or a set of recommendations. Readers should do their own research and speak with financial advisors before making any decisions.

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