According to a private-sector survey released on Monday, factory activity in China increased at the fastest rate in five months in November, driven by an increase in new orders, including international ones, resulting in a significant boost in production and raising manufacturers' optimism to the highest level in eight months.
The number was broadly consistent with an official survey released on Saturday, which showed that manufacturing activity increased modestly, hinting that a wave of stimulus is finally finding its way through the world's second-largest economy just as Donald Trump escalates his trade threats.
The Caixin/S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5 in November, up from 50.3 the previous month, its highest level since June.Orders placed with Chinese manufacturers increased at the fastest rate since February 2023.
According to the Caixin survey, Chinese companies' confidence has peaked since March, as they expressed hope that improved economic conditions and government initiatives will boost sales in the coming year.Despite a second straight month of increased backlogged tasks, businesses were cautious about hiring, while the rate of job cutbacks reduced compared to October.
