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Chinese retail sales fell short of expectations in November, increasing pressure on policymakers as they seek to restore confidence in the world’s second-largest economy.

Retail sales rose 3 percent, below analysts’ expectations of 4.6 percent and a 4.8 percent rise in October. Industrial production in November rose by 5.4 percent, slightly above expectations.

The data comes days after China held its annual Central Economic Work Conference, at which party leaders called for “active” efforts to boost consumption.

In the real estate sector, where the slowdown posed a major challenge to policymakers, new housing prices continued to decline, albeit at a slower pace than in previous months. Real estate investment is down 10.4 percent so far this year.