China HSBC/Markit Flash reading for manufacturing PMI for April comes in at 48.3

  • expected 48.3
  • prior was 48.0

Comes in right as expected. but not a great figure. Check out the table form the report (below). Lots of ‘Decrease’ in there. Some at a ‘faster rate’, some ‘slower’.

  • The Flash China Manufacturing Output Index at 48.0 in April (47.2 in March), at a 2-month high

Hongbin Qu, Chief Economist, China & CoHead of Asian Economic Research at HSBC:

  • Domestic demand showed mild improvement and deflationary pressures eased, but downside risks to growth are still evident as both new export orders and employment contracted.
  • The State Council released new measures to support growth and employment after the release of Q1 GDP.
  • Whilst initial impact will likely be limited, they signalled readiness to do more if necessary.
  • We think more measures may be unveiled in the coming months and the PBoC will keep sufficient liquidity.
China flash PMI table HSBC 23 April 2014
HSBC China flash manufacturing PMI 23 April 2014