Chinese manufacturing activity continued to expand in February, although at a slower pace, according to the final outcome of a survey released by HSBC on Friday.
The manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index came in at 50.4 in February, unchanged from an initial reading released Monday, and higher than the 50-point threshold that signals an improvement. But the final PMI print, which is adjusted for seasonal factors, was lower than the 52.3 reading in January.
The easing rate of expansion reflected by the HSBC data is consistent with the separately compiled result of an official Chinese survey, which put the February PMI at 50.1, also above 50, though lower than the January reading of 50.4.
