China: Manufacturing PMI stabilizes in December
The manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) was stable at November’s 50.2% in December. The print was slightly above the 50.1% reading expected by market analysts. As a result, the index sits above the 50.0% threshold that separates contraction from expansion in the manufacturing sector.
December’s print reflected that improved figures for production and suppliers’ delivery times were offset by worsening results for new orders and purchasing activity. Job creation was unchanged for the second consecutive month. Export orders jumped into positive territory in December, reflecting hopes of a trade agreement between China and the United States.