China's manufacturing activity declined unexpectedly in May, preliminary results of a survey by Markit Economics showed Thursday.
The headline purchasing managers' index, an indicator of the health of the factory sector, fell to a seven-month low of 49.6 in May from 50.4 in April. Readings below 50 indicates contraction of the sector.
Economists expected the reading to remain unchanged from March's level.
The flash manufacturing output index edged down to 51 from 51.1 in April. While the index remained in the positive territory, it indicated that production growth was at the weakest level in three months.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.