China's inflation rate rises slightly in April but remains low at 1.5 percent

China's inflation rate rose slightly to 1.5 percent in April, up from the previous month's 1.4 percent, but still provides plenty room for monetary easing for the world's second-largest economy.

The National Bureau of Statistics said Saturday that the latest consumer price index was lower than in March but went up 1.5 percent year over year.

It said the inflation rate increased 1.3 percent in the first four months over the same period last year.

The inflation rate came in lower than expected, which will leave room for the government to ease its monetary policies.

China's economy grew 7.4 percent last year, the lowest growth in more than two decades, and the economic slowdown is expected to persist.