China economy slows sharply as investment returns to contraction

China's economy showed significant slowdown in April, with fixed-asset investment down 1.6%, retail sales rising only 0.2%, and industrial production growing at 4.1%, below expectations. Despite strong exports, domestic consumption remains weak, with new household loans declining and jobless rates for early-career workers rising. Policymakers are adopting a cautious approach amid ongoing economic challenges and high raw material costs.