China’s factory activity improves but remains in contraction

Investing.com -- China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) rose to 49.2 in November from 49.0 in October, according to data released Sunday by the National Bureau of Statistics.

Despite the slight improvement, the manufacturing sector remained in contraction territory for the eighth consecutive month, as readings below 50 indicate shrinking activity.

The production subindex reached the neutral mark of 50.0 in November, up from 49.7 in October, suggesting stabilization in manufacturing output.

Total new orders showed signs of recovery, with the subindex climbing to 49.2 from October’s 48.8.

New export orders saw a more substantial increase, rising to 47.6 in November from 45.9 the previous month, though still indicating contraction in overseas demand.