Recent data has reversed the recovery trend of the past few months. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to a six-month high of 49.8 in September, up from 49.4 in August. The official manufacturing PMI stood at 49.0, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, falling short of economists' forecasts of 49.6 in a Reuters poll. An official survey released on Friday showed that manufacturing activity in China contracted more than expected in October, hitting a six-month low amid renewed trade tensions with Washington during the month. A reading above 50 indicates growth, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.
