China's economy expanded at an annualized rate of 5.4% in the first quarter of 2025, the same pace as the final quarter of last year, official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Wednesday. The reading beat market expectations of 5.1% in the reported period. On a quarterly basis, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded 1.2% in Q1 2025 after rising 1.6% in the previous quarter, missing the 1.4% print forecast. China's annual retail sales in March jumped 5.9% versus 4.2% expected and 4% previously, while industrial production grew 7.7% versus 5.6% and 5.9% in February.