China’s economy grew at its fastest clip in more than a year in the fourth quarter of 2024, buoyed by strong exports and a flurry of stimulus measures aimed at reversing a months-long downward slide.

China's economy grew 5% last year, matching the government's target, but in a lopsided fashion, with many people complaining of worsening living standards as Beijing struggles to transfer its industrial and export gains to consumers.

Sales of consumer goods grew a moderate 3.5 percent, while hospitality sectors continued to outperform discretionary segments such as apparel, gold and jewelry.