China credit data shows sluggish demand, more household deleveraging amid weak investment (opens original article in a new tab)

China's credit data shows sluggish demand with weak investment and household deleveraging, despite government efforts to boost the economy.

• China's May bank loans totaled 520 billion yuan, down from 620 billion yuan in the same period last year.
• Household lending fell by 141 billion yuan in May, with a cumulative drop of 631 billion yuan in the first five months of 2026.
• Analysts note that household deleveraging and weak consumption are reducing corporate borrowing and investment, particularly in traditional industries.