Barclays Research expects China’s economy to remain sluggish, with GDP growth projected at 4.8% for 2025. Analysts Ajay Rajadhyaksha and Amrut Nashikkar noted that while trade and tech investments provide support, persistent softness in consumption limits broader growth. The economy started the fourth quarter weakly, although the high-tech sector remains a bright spot. The report warns that unless the property sector finds a decisive bottom in prices and activity, upside growth surprises are unlikely. Barclays anticipates sequential GDP growth in 4Q25 to slow sharply to 4% year-on-year and 2.5% quarter-on-quarter, and forecasts 4% growth for 2026, below consensus expectations.