Hong Kong's private sector activity contracted in January after increasing in the previous month, results of a survey by Markit Economics and HSBC Bank showed Wednesday.
The HSBC purchasing managers' index, or PMI, for the private sector, rose declined to 49.4 in Janaury from 50.3 in December.
This marked fifth decline in the last six months. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in private sector activity while a score below 50 signals contraction.
New work expanded at a slower rate in January while private sector output dropped, though at a marginal pace, reflecting the effects of the recent political protests in the region that dampened activity and demand.
New business from mainland China fell for the sixth successive month and at an accelerated pace.
Employment levels declined at the fastest rate in five-and-a-half years.
Input costs and output prices rebounded marginally in January.
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