China’s Economy Surprises With Rebound Even as War Risks Spread

China’s main economic indicators fared better than forecast to start the year, in a sign that momentum was improving before the war in Iran roiled the outlook for global growth and inflation.

Industrial production climbed 6.3% in the January-February period from a year ago, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday. That’s the fastest growth since September, a performance that likely benefited from a surprising surge in exports early this year.

Other segments of the economy that are more reliant on domestic demand also got off to a stronger start than expected. Retail sales rose ...