In a surprise announcement, Chinese economic expansion rose by less than anticipated for the third quarter.  Against economist estimates of a 9.3% rise, gross domestic product in one of the world’s fastest growing economies expanded at a 9.1% annualized pace, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.  The figure falls below the second quarter’s 9.5% advance, increasing speculation that global growth may indeed be stalling.

Nonetheless, retail sales in the country continues to remain positive.  September retail sales gains were higher by 17.7%, rising above estimates of a 17% gain in the month.  Industrial production additionally gained, rising by 13.8% – higher than forecasts of a 13.5% increase.

Although consumer interest remains strong per the report, traders took to selling major currencies like the Euro and Australian dollar following the news.  The EURUSD declined to trade at 1.3760 from the session high of 1.3787 as the AUDUSD dropped to 1.0178 from the 1.0213 high.