Business · Markets · 2 hrs ago
Chinese growth data lift many Asian markets, while tech worries limit gains
China's economy grew 4.5% year on year in the third quarter, slightly above expectations.
Stronger-than-expected retail sales also helped, while industrial production matched forecasts.
The data lifted mainland Chinese shares, with Shanghai's main index up 0.7% and another index tracking Shanghai and Shenzhen stocks up 0.4%.
South Korean shares also rose, but Japan's Nikkei fell, and Hong Kong's market was closed for a holiday.
Worries about financing and profits in the technology sector limited gains as investors looked ahead to a busy week of company results.
The figures make it more likely that China will meet its annual growth target, though analysts cited in coverage said concerns about the economy remain and state support is still needed.
European markets were expected to open weakly, while US stock futures rebounded after Wall Street fell on Friday.
Asian stock markets were mostly higher on Monday after Chinese economic data beat expectations.
China’s economy grew 4.5% year on year in the third quarter, slightly above forecasts.
Shanghai’s main index gained 0.7%, while South Korea’s Kospi rose and Japan’s Nikkei fell.
Concerns about technology-sector credit risks and AI profitability limited gains in some markets.
European markets were expected to open weakly, while US stock futures rebounded.
- Who
- Asian stock markets and investors. Chinese economic data was also assessed by analysts at ANZ.
- What
- Many Asian markets rose after Chinese growth data exceeded expectations, though technology-sector concerns weighed on gains.
- When
- Monday, 19 October 2026.
- Where
- Asian markets, including those in mainland China, Japan and South Korea.
- Why
- Chinese growth data was stronger than expected. Concerns about technology-sector credit risks and AI profitability limited gains.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China’s economy grew 4.5% year on year, while retail sales rose 1.1% and industrial production increased 5.5%.
Asian markets mostly rose after the Chinese data, with Shanghai up 0.7% and Japan’s Nikkei down.
- China GDP growth
- 4.5% year on year in the third quarter
- Shanghai Composite
- Up 0.7%
- South Korea Kospi
- Up 1.8% at 5,768 points, according to Handelsblatt
- Japan Nikkei
- Down 0.6% at 65,026 points, according to Handelsblatt
- China retail sales
- Up 1.1%
3 sources
What people are saying
Even though the September data surprised positively, developments in the first nine months have reinforced concerns about structural imbalances in China’s economy
While chip stocks are dragging the index down, purchases of defensive stocks are likely to provide some support to the market