The pace of economic growth eased in the third quarter as fixed asset investment slowed down and macroeconomic measures kicked in, the South China Morning Post reported. GDP growth was 10.4% in the July-September period, compared to 11.3% in the previous quarter, according to National Bureau of Statistics spokesman Li Xiaochao. The economy expanded 10.7% in the first nine months of the year, slightly slower than the 10.9% registered in the first half. "Excessive economic growth has been basically brought under control. This data shows that the tightening policies adopted by the central government have been timely and effective," Li said. Property and fixed asset investment grew 27.3% in the first three quarters, compared to 29.8% in the first half.