China consumption miss overshadows factory strength amid tariffs

China showcased resilience in April as its industrial output surged unexpectedly, marking a stark contrast with declining retail sales that fell short of forecasts. Despite a swift easing of U.S.-China trade tensions, consumption disappointed, signaling lingering challenges amid a 90-day tariff pause. Sluggish spending points to the need for supportive policies, as economic indicators hint at complacency ahead of concerns over a prolonged property crisis, deflationary pressures, and household unemployment worries.