Targeted measures expected to spur growth

Although indicators showed business activity cooled some-what in July, the Chinese economy is expected to remain robust over the coming months, supported by more targeted measures to buttress growth, said officials and economists.

As consumption, industrial output and fixed-asset investment all showed some softening signs in July, stronger and more coordinated efforts were needed "as soon as possible" to improve "weak links" in the economy, according to analysts.

They noted that the central government has pledged to fine-tune macroeconomic policies by putting more emphasis on fiscal spending and boosting domestic demand.