China's Economy: Steady Rates Amid Challenges

China's central bank decided to keep its key interest rates the same for the seventh month in a row. This happened even though the country's economy is facing some tough times. The rates for 1-year and 5-year loans stayed at 3% and 3. 5%, respectively. These rates are important because they help set the cost of new loans and mortgages. Recently, China's economic numbers were not great. For example, retail sales and industrial production did not meet expectations. Retail sales grew by only 1. 3% last month, which was much lower than the predicted 2. 8%. Industrial production also fell short, rising by 4. 8% instead of the expected 5%.The real estate sector in China is still struggling. Investment in property and other fixed assets dropped by 2. 6% over the first 11 months of the year. This was worse than the predicted 2. 3% decrease. Home prices in big cities like Beijing and Shenzhen also continued to fall. To help the economy, China's government plans to issue special bonds next year. These bonds will fund important projects and new infrastructure. The government is also trying to boost spending to fight deflationary pressures. There is some good news, though. A trade deal with the U. S. might help. This deal could lower tariffs on Chinese exports, which could help the economy grow by around 5% in 2025. On Monday, China's stock market went up by 0. 43%. The yuan, China's currency, stayed the same against the dollar at 7. 04. However, the offshore yuan weakened slightly to 7. 03 against the dollar.