Briefs | Inflation eases, leaving room for stimulus

Chinese inflation eased in September, giving Beijing more room to stimulate slowing economic growth if needed. Consumer prices rose 1.6 percent over a year earlier, driven by a 2.7 percent rise in food costs, data showed yesterday. That was down of from August’s 2 percent increase. The decline leaves room for interest rate cuts or other stimulus to prop up cooling economic growth and prevent politically dangerous job losses with less risk of igniting price rises. Beijing has cut interest rates five times since November. Growth in the quarter ending in June held steady at 7 percent. But that was the lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis and analysts said a stock market boom pushed up activity in financial industries, masking declines in other industries.

Carnival to add 2 more cruise brands in mainland

Carnival is bringing two more of its cruise brands to China to keep up with growing demand from Chinese travelers. The Miami-based cruise company said Tuesday that its Carnival and Aida-branded cruise ships will start sailing in China in 2017. The company’s other brands, Costa and Princess, are already sailing in China. Carnival first entered the Chinese market with Costa ships in 2006. Hotels, airlines and other U.S. travel and companies have been expanding in China to cater to the growing number of Chinese travelers.