China closed the month of August with a manufacturing PMI index down to 51,1 points, against 51,7 in July (the highest in 27 months). This is the lowest value in the last quarter, as well as the first contraction after seven months, however the figure remains above the 50 points threshold, which marks the border between expansion and contraction of activity. Expectations converged on a median of 51,2 points. This is what emerges from the survey published today by the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics.
According to HSBS/Markit surveys, however, the final reading of the PMI index fell to 50,2 last month, slightly below the preliminary reading of 50,3. The survey highlights in particular the decline in new orders and orders for exports, respectively indicators of domestic and foreign demand, which in any case remained above the 50 level.
