China Factory Activity Highest Since 2011, Private Gauge Shows

China’s factory activity grew at a faster pace in July than at any point since January 2011, as the economic recovery gained momentum, a private gauge showed Monday.

The Caixin Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 52.8 last month from June’s 51.2, beating the median estimate of 51.1. The 50-level separates expansion in activity from contraction. That’s in line with official data released last week that showed a slight acceleration from the previous month.