China's industrial profit growth slowed in August, although technology manufacturing linked to the artificial intelligence boom continued to provide support.
Industrial profits increased 4.2% in August from a year earlier, compared with growth of 11.2% in July. During the first eight months of the year, profits rose 15.7%, down from 17.6% in the January to July period.
The technology manufacturing sector remained stronger as demand connected with artificial intelligence supported parts of the industrial economy. However, weaker domestic demand continued to put pressure on overall business performance.