Reuters are reporting that China's economy was less healthy in Q3 than recent upbeat data has suggested, with growth coming exclusively from manufacturing and property while the services and retail sectors faltered.
Manufacturing posted its fastest expansion nationally, with 53% of companies seeing revenue gains, up 3% from the previous year.
While a government infrastructure building spree and housing boom have given a much needed boost to national cement makers, foreign orders have also improved.
Sectors such as services, transportation and retail showed weakness both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, with cash flow and profits deteriorating, leaving the country on uneven footing.
According to reports, a national carbon market – the biggest in the world – could be in place in China by 2018, subsequent to the completion of the seven pilot schemes currently ongoing.
The past week’s pollution levels seem to have been a wake up call, with the media speaking out against the smog that has enveloped Beijing and many other northern cities.