The China's factory activity data adds to a run of indicators suggesting the world's second-largest economy has begun to bottom out.
Workers at a factory making lithium battery products for domestic and international markets in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China.China's factory activity expanded for the first time in six months in September, an official survey showed on Saturday, adding to a run of indicators suggesting the world's second-largest economy has begun to bottom out.
Preliminary signs of improvement had emerged in August, with factory output and retail sales growth accelerating while declines of exports and imports narrowed and deflationary pressures eased. Profits at industrial firms posted a surprise 17.2% jump in August, reversing July's 6.7% decline. The composite PMI, including manufacturing and non-manufacturing activity, climbed to 52.0 in September from 51.3.
New home prices fell the fastest in 10 months in August and property investment declined for an 18th straight month.