Slowing China home price rises could dent growth

Beijing

HOME price rises in China's biggest cities showed signs of easing in July, adding to concerns that one of the economy's key growth drivers is losing steam but offering some relief for policymakers worried about property bubbles.

A robust recovery in home prices and sales gave a stronger-than-expected boost to the world's second-largest economy in the first half of the year, partly offsetting weak exports.

But some analysts say slowing price growth and weakening property investment suggest the rebound may have peaked, as more local government…