Investing.com - China’s manufacturing activity unexpectedly rebounded in March, the Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed.
The Caixin PMI came in at 50.8 for March, higher than the expected 49.9, snapping three straight months of declines.
Results of the private sector survey came after the National Bureau of Statistics reported on Sunday that the official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.5 in March from February’s three-year low of 49.2. It was the first expansion in four months.
A reading below 50 signals contraction, while a reading above that level indicates expansion.
The upbeat surveys came as China and the U.S. are caught in an unresolved trade war. The two sides continue discussions this week as Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and his team head to Washington later this week, days after U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer travelled to Beijing.
Chinese stocks jumped more than 2% on Monday following the release of the data.
By 11:40 PM ET (03:40 GMT), the Shanghai Composite gained 2.3% while the SZSE Component surged 3.2%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.8%.