China's industrial profits up 9.8% YoY
China’s industrial sector profits grew 9.8% to reach CNY 616.1bn ($89bn) in October, aided by better sales and higher sale prices. China’s commodities futures markets has been under increased scrutiny this year as coal prices have hit record numbers in recent weeks, though economists say that any growth created by “loose” money policies will not last long. The property market in the region is due to slow in the first quarters of 2017 as policymakers curb home prices, putting pressure on the profits of the industrial sector as construction materials are less required.

A file picture of workers unloading coal at a storage site along a railway station in Anhui province. Profits in the coal mining sector rose 112.9 per cent from January to October compared with the same period last year. Photo: Reuters