China posts weakest industrial profit growth this year, expanding 4.2% in August

China's industrial profits rose 4.2% in August, the weakest growth this year, as sluggish demand and fierce competition weigh on corporate profitability. Economists expect Beijing to increase stimulus measures to stabilize earnings, with consolidation accelerating in affected sectors. The data underscores challenges facing the world's second-largest economy amid ongoing trade tensions and domestic headwinds.