Housing sector helps China beat Q4 growth forecasts with 6.8% expansion

Beijing

CHINA'S economy grew a faster-than-expected 6.8 per cent in the fourth quarter, boosted by higher government spending and record bank lending, giving it a solid tailwind heading into what is expected to be a turbulent 2017.

But Beijing's decision to raise spending to meet its official growth target could exact a high price, as policymakers grapple with financial risks created by an explosive growth in debt.