A National Bureau of Statistics survey marked a fifth straight month of contraction
The measures are meant to counter a prolonged downturn in China’s property market
Imports also climb as trade with other Asian countries improves
Chinese markets have not shown much enthusiasm for the policies outlined in recent weeks
It's the biggest rate cut since the country was slammed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020
The country released a 50-page roadmap and cut key interest rates Monday
Weak consumer demand, reduced gov't spending are dragging on growth in China: economists
But consumer-friendly reforms are needed to sustain growth
The central bank said it will reduce the minimum down payment for mortgages
Regulators are striving to reassure investors after Chinese markets slumped in the past year