The reading of the investment index showed weakness in April as well as a drop in retail sales and home sales. Investment in fixed assets grew at the slowest pace since 1999, while retail sales fell to their lowest level in four months, signaling a slowdown in the world's second largest economy.
Industrial production rose more than expected as auto and steel production surged. Industrial production surged by 7% in April, better than expectations of a 6.4% rise, rising from a 7-month low of 6% in March.
The China Bureau of Statistics said the Sino-US trade dispute has yet to have an impact on China's economy. The two sides are resuming trade negotiations this week in Washington after initial talks that have made little progress.
Investment growth slowed to a large extent in all sectors. Growth in investment in fixed assets slowed to 7%, investment in the private sector slowed to 8.4%m. Investment in the private sector accounted for about 60% of total investment in China.
Growth in infrastructure spending, which was a strong economic driver last year, slowed to 12.4% in the first four months of 2018 from 13%.
Retail sales slowed to 9.4% in April from 10.1% in March.
