China's economy expanded in the third quarter at the slowest pace since early last year, as the country struggles to boost flagging growth. On an annual basis, gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 4.6% in the three months to the end of September, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics.

China’s economic growth slowed in the third quarter, trending below Beijing’s annual growth target but beating market expectations.

Falling prices, weak consumer spending and a housing market crash help to explain why the Chinese government is taking steps to stimulate the economy.

China's economic slowdown deepened in the three months to the end of September, as the country struggles to boost flagging growth. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 4.6% on an yearly basis, below the government's 5% annual target,

China's economy is expected to have slowed in the third quarter, dragged by a prolonged property downturn and weak consumption, maintaining pressure on policymakers as they consider more stimulus steps to revitalise growth.

China’s economy likely grew at its weakest pace in six quarters, prompting Beijing to roll out a swath of stimulus measures in late September to draw a line under the slowdown.