Chinese GDP data comes in better than expected for the first quarter by a wide margin but monthly figures are softer, painting a mixed picture for the world’s second-largest economy. In the U.S., the major indices are in the red while yields spike. The greenback also hits a five-month high as very strong retail sales numbers dampens rate cut expectations even further. In Asia there are 2 per cent declines across equities. Investors are braced for potential policy intervention in Japan to shore up the yen. In autos news, Tesla is set to cut 10 per cent of its workforce as the EV maker struggles with waning consumer interest in the sector.