Market View: China’s factory output hits eight-month low - is the recovery at risk?

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong · Aug 15, 2025 · 13m

China reported a slowdown in economic activity, with factory output rising 5.7% year-on-year in July, the slowest pace in eight months, and retail sales increasing just 3.7%, the weakest since December 2024, signaling a softer-than-expected recovery. Meanwhile, Japan’s economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter, with GDP rising 1.0% annualized, boosted by resilient exports and stronger-than-anticipated capital expenditure. Private consumption increased modestly by 0.2%, reflecting steady domestic demand even as global uncertainties, including U.S. tariffs, continue to weigh…