China's factory activity softened in April, official data showed Tuesday, in the latest sign that the world's second-largest economy remains on uneven footing despite a raft of government stimulus measures.
The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), a key gauge of factory conditions, came in at 50.1 for the month, down from 50.5 in March, the National Bureau of Statistics said.
The reading is below analyst forecasts but remains above the 50.0 level separating expansion from contraction.
"The latest survey data disappoint hopes for a further recovery," said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics.
"The official PMIs suggest that (the second quarter) got off to a weaker start and reinforce our view that there are still some downside risks to near-term activity," he said in a note.
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