China's economy expanded in the third quarter at the slowest pace since early last year, as the country struggles to boost flagging growth. On an annual basis, gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 4.6% in the three months to the end of September, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics.

Falling prices, weak consumer spending and a housing market crash help to explain why the Chinese government is taking steps to stimulate the economy.

China's economic slowdown deepened in the three months to the end of September, as the country struggles to boost flagging growth. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 4.6% on an yearly basis, below the government's 5% annual target,