Topic
growth slowdown
China's Industrial Profit Growth Slows for First Time in 6 Months as Weak Domestic Demand Bites
China's industrial profit growth slowed for the first time in six months in May, rising 21.1% year-on-year versus 24.7% in April, as weak domestic demand outweighed gains from exports and higher factory-gate prices. For January-May 2026, profits rose 18.8%, missing Bloomberg Economics' 19% forecast, and totalled 3.14 trillion yuan ($462 billion), below the same period in 2022. The data signals growing earnings pressure for manufacturers, with implications for corporate strategy and investment decisions.
India's Services Sector Growth Slows to 17-Month Low as Hiring Stalls, Demand Weakens
India's services sector growth slowed to a 17-month low in June, with the HSBC Services PMI falling to 57.4 from 59.8. Hiring activity nearly stalled, domestic demand softened, but export orders remained robust. The broader composite PMI also declined to 57.1, reflecting weaker private sector momentum.