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.

Volkswagen flags 50,000 job cuts across group
UAE tightens anti-fraud rules, sets 24-hour deadline to withdraw fake goods
Apple facing $2.7 billion UK lawsuit over 'unfair' app tracking rules
Middle East Energy 2026 opens in Dubai
Shein shares slide in Hong Kong debut on worries about trade, regulatory risks
