China factory activity News

The official manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 52.4 in September, up from 51.7 in the previous month and the highest level since April 2012.

Chinese exports surged in March, the first gain in nine months and the latest positive data out of the world's number two economy, but analysts warned Wednesday's headline figure masked ongoing weakness in overseas demand.

Activity in China`s manufacturing sector shrank for the seventh month in a row in February and more sharply than expected, an official survey showed, suggesting the government will have to ramp up stimulus to avoid a deeper economic slowdown.

The official Purchasing Managers` Index (PMI) fell to 49.6 in November.

A reading over 50 points signals an expansion in activity while one below that mark indicates an contraction on a monthly basis.

The final, private Caixin/Markit China Manufacturing Purchasing Managers` Index (PMI) dropped to 47.8 in July, the lowest since November 2011, from 49.4 in June.

China`s factory sector contracted by the most in 15 months in July as shrinking orders depressed output, a preliminary private survey showed on Friday, a worse-than-expected result that should reinforce bets the struggling Chinese economy will get more stimulus.

Sliding oil prices and a downbeat China factory survey weighed on Asian shares on Tuesday, while the rouble jumped against the dollar after Russia sharply increased its benchmark interest rate in a bid to halt a collapse in its currency.