China output, investment reinforce view economy has steadied

BEIJING: China's factory output grew at its fastest pace in 17 months and investment and consumption beat market forecasts, increasing confidence among investors that the world's second-largest economy has halted a slide and is building some momentum.

Following on from data this week showing robust exports and benign inflation, Tuesday's figures add to the case the economy has bottomed out after slowing in nine of the past 10 quarters.