But, despite the slowdown, the statement also said that job hiring continued to expand at a modest rate, consumer spending and business investment had increased , and the housing sector showed signs of improvement.

BBC: Fed keeps US interest rates on hold

The spread of consumer spending power across China means that a company must constantly expand its geographic footprint--but the requirements of scale make it extremely critical to cluster locations appropriately to ensure competitive scale economies.

FORBES: Unlocking China's Consumer Power