BEIJING — China’s retail sales rose more than expected in October, the National Bureau of Statistics said Monday.October retail sales grew by 4.9% from a year ago, beating a Reuters’ poll forecasting 3.5% growth.The better-than-expected retail sales in October came during a month that kicked off with China’s last big public holiday for the calendar year. However, significant drivers of retail sales such as autos and apparel declined in October from a year ago.Industrial production also beat expectations, up by 3.5% year-on-year in October. Reuters had predicted 3% growth.China’s economy has face several challenges this year — from slower-than-expected consumer spending to disruptive floods threatening to disrupt supply chains.Adding to the uncertainty is Beijing’s wide-ranging regulatory crackdown targeting sectors including indebted real estate developers and internet companies with alleged monopolistic behavior.Despite the recent slump in real estate — which accounts for the bulk of household wealth — National Bureau of Statistics Spokesman Fu Linghui claimed Monday that the property market remained stable overall and noted increases in floor space sold.cnbc.com