China home prices rise for 5th straight month in September

Beijing

HOME prices in China rose for a fifth consecutive month in September, suggesting a mild recovery in the housing market that will relieve some pressure on the struggling economy.

The sector, which accounts for 15 per cent of gross domestic product, has become a rare bright spot in an economy that is expected to grow at its slowest pace in 25 years this year, but it may be some time before it begins contributing to broader activity again.