China's industrial profits surged in June despite weak consumer sentiment

These robust figures contrast with a slowing economy, which fell short of forecasts in the second quarter. The consumer sector remained downbeat amid job market challenges and a protracted housing downturn. Notably, about half of the more than ten mainland-listed alcoholic beverage firms that released first-half earnings forecasts anticipated losses.

China leads as the top producer of aluminium, accounting for nearly 60 per cent of the world's aluminium smelter capacity.

Despite escalating trade tensions with the West, companies such as optical transceiver firms Zhongji Innolight and Suzhou TFC Optical Communication forecast substantial increases in first-half earnings. These suppliers for U.S. chip giant Nvidia have benefited significantly from the global build-out of artificial intelligence infrastructure.