China's Economic Growth Unexpectedly Slowed to 9.6%

BEIJING, China (July 20) - China's economic growth unexpectedly slowed in the second quarter, suggesting government lending curbs are cooling the world's fastest-growing major economy. Gross domestic product rose 9.6 % from a year earlier after climbing 9.8 % in the first quarter, the government said in Beijing. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, which tracks 37 mainland companies listed in Hong Kong, or H shares, jumped 2.6 % to close at 4292.55. Trading was halted at midday today because a typhoon was approaching the city. PetroChina Co., China's biggest oil producer, rose 2 percent to HK$3.75. (MH)