China’s economic growth weakest in 25 years

Investors are seen in front of an electronic board showing stock information at a brokerage house in Beijing on January 18, 2016.

China has announced its weakest economic growth figures for 25 years. Its economy grew 6.9% in 2015, compared with 7.3% a year earlier. Retail sales growth cooled to 10.6% from 2014's 12%, while the country's unemployment rate is at around 5.1%. The slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy is a major concern for global investors. It comes as the Chinese government tries to transition from a centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented model. Authorities are finding it difficult to manage the change, with weak exports, factory overcapacity, and high debt levels compounding their problems.

More from Business News

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    Midnight - 6:00am

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • The Kris Fade Show

    6:00am - 10:00am

    Kris, Priti and Rossi host the UAE's biggest radio show. It's full of fun, laughs and it's Where The Stars Live.

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • Talent Takeover

    For one morning only, you could host the UAE’s biggest radio show, The Kris Fade Show - live across the nation.

  • The Kris Fade Show Podcast

    Not in the car so much while Kris, Priti and Rossi are on air? Check out the daily podcast here...

  • Untold Dubai

    It arrived: The UAE's First Mega Music Festival at Expo City Dubai!

  • ARN News Centre

    Get the latest UAE and world news from our award winning team of journalists. The ARN News Centre is the country's most trusted source of information.