The Chinese economy slowed more than expected in the first quarter, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Friday.
The gross domestic product expanded 8.1 percent year-on-year in the first three months of 2012, slower than the fourth quarter's 8.9 percent increase. Economists were looking for a growth slowdown to 8.4 percent.
Separately, the statistical office reported that the industrial production grew 11.9 percent year-on-year in March, compared with expectations for a 11.5 percent expansion.
Retail sales increased 15.2 percent annually in March while expectations were for a 14.8 percent rise.
Urban fixed asset investment expanded 20.9 percent during the three months ended March, slightly slower than the 21 percent increase forecast.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.