Nigeria, May 19 -- China's economy slowed in April as global trade pressures and local economic conditions affected major sectors such as consumer spending, real estate, and fixed investment.

Even while Beijing continues to try to stimulate demand and stabilize prices, economic indicators suggest that the world's No. 2 economy is under renewed pressure.

According to Chinese National Bureau of Statistics data released on Friday, retail sales - one of the biggest metrics for domestic consumption-grew only 5.1% year over year.

This was below analysts' expectations of 6% growth, but it could also be another signal that there is a bigger problem: consumer wariness in a slow housing market where prices are falling. Housing wealth, a signific...