Challenges mount as factory, housing data dip

Lower numbers: Employees work on a steel tube tower in China. The country’s factory activity contracted for the fourth straight month in August. — AFP

Beijing: China has been relying on its manufacturing might and export engines to offset the drag from a slumping property market and keep its growth target in sight.

Growing headwinds on both fronts suggest the government will need to step up support if it’s to hit that goal of an expansion of around 5%.