China business activity rises for first time in four months in November

Business activity in the People’s Republic of China picked up November for the first time in four months, the results of a survey showed, albeit only marginally.

The Caixin China Composite Output Index, which covers production from both manufacturing and services, rose from 49.9 to 50.5 in October, thanks to a further rise in service sector activity.

However, the Caixin China General Services Business Activity Index slipped to 51.2 in November, down from October’s level of 52.0.

“According to panellists, relatively weak market conditions had softened client demand in the latest survey period. Furthermore, September 2015 excepted, the latest increase in new work was the slowest seen in 16 months.”

Manufacturing output stabilised in the same month after six consecutive monthly falls, Caixin said.

Staffing levels retreated for a sixth month in a row at the composite level.