China’s economic growth stalls after power shortages

Workers assemble truck engines at a factory in China (Chinatopix via AP)

China’s economic growth is sinking under pressure from a construction slowdown and power shortages, prompting warnings about a possible shock to its trading partners and global financial markets.

The world’s second-largest economy grew by a weaker-than-expected 4.9% compared to a year ago in the three months ending in September, down from the previous quarter’s 7.9%, government data showed.