China's industrial production and retail sales growth decelerated more-than-expected in April reflecting weak foreign demand and domestic spending at the start of second quarter, data published by the National Bureau of Statistics, cited by rttnews.

Industrial production expanded 6.5 percent year-on-year in April, weaker than the 7.6 percent rise in March. Economists had forecast a 7 percent increase.

Likewise, retail sales growth eased to 10.7 percent from 10.9 percent in March. Sales were forecast to climb 10.8 percent.

During January to April, fixed asset investment excluding rural areas increased 8.9 percent compared to 9.2 percent growth in three months to March. Economists had forecast 9.1 percent expansion.