Chinese Consumer Confidence At Record Low In January, Posing Potential Challenge For China’s Slowing Economy

SHANGHAI — Consumer confidence in China fell to a record low this month, according to the latest edition of a regular survey. Analysts said it was a sign that China’s slowing economic growth — which fell to 6.9 percent, its lowest rate for more than two decades, last year — could eventually affect citizens' spending plans and consumption, which has been the main bright spot of China’s economy over the past two years. But some economists said there were also grounds for optimism.