Official data shows China’s GDP expanded 5.0% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, beating market forecasts and marking a strong start to the year. Domestic demand contributed 84.7% to growth, up nearly 30 percentage points, while industrial output rose 6.1%. Total foreign trade reached 11.838 trillion yuan, surging 15.0% year-on-year, with exports up 11.9% and imports jumping 19.6%.

The positive data boosted investor confidence. On April 16, major A-share indices rose sharply, with the ChiNext climbing 3.17%. CATL’s better-than-expected earnings pushed its market value above 2 trillion yuan. AI computing leaders such as InnoLight reported a 262% year-on-year net profit increase, driven by surging global demand.

PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng stated at the G20 meeting that China’s economy is improving with optimized structure. The central bank will maintain appropriately accommodative monetary policy to support steady growth. Market focus will remain on consumption recovery, foreign trade structure, and potential geopolitical impacts on industrial chains.