Economics
China Manufacturing Index Signals Surprise Contraction
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China’s manufacturing may contract for the first time in six months, adding to stresses in the world’s second-biggest economy, according to a gauge released by HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics.
The preliminary reading of 49.6 for January in a Purchasing Managers’ Index released today was below a final figure of 50.5 in December and all 19 estimates of analysts in a Bloomberg News survey. A number above 50 indicates expansion.