China's Manufacturing PMI Dips Below Neutral Mark

In a revealing sign of economic slowdown, China's official manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 49.0 in April, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday. This figure not only dips below the neutral 50 mark but also shows a decrease from March's 50.5, indicating a contraction in the manufacturing sector.

Non-Manufacturing and Composite PMI Also Show Decline

The non-manufacturing PMI, which gauges business sentiment across the services and construction sectors, also experienced a slight downturn, standing at 50.4 compared to the previous month's 50.8. Meanwhile, the official composite PMI, encompassing both manufacturing and services, decreased to 50.2 from 51.4 in March, further underscoring the broader economic challenges.

These figures collectively highlight the growing pressures on China's economy, with the manufacturing sector's contraction being a particular point of concern for policymakers and investors alike.