The latest data out of China indicates that a slump in the housing market is spreading throughout the country. New home prices declined in more major cities in September than in the previous month.

The National Bureau of Statistics says prices dropped from August in 54 out of 70 major cities. The number is up by two and accounts for 77 percent of all cities. New home prices rose in 15 and were unchanged in one.

The Chinese government is trying to reverse the lingering real-estate slump. Its countermeasures include easing mortgage-related regulations.

The question is whether the government will take additional action.

China's economic outlook remains uncertain, as major real-estate firms try to tackle their serious financial problems.