The flash reading for the HSBC China manufacturing PMI for December:
- expected was 49.8
- prior was 52.0
- Lowest in 7 months
![China flash PMi 16 December 2014](http://az705044.vo.msecnd.net/20141216/China-flash-PMi-16-December-2014.png)
![china flash pmi 16 December 2014 2](http://az705044.vo.msecnd.net/20141216/china-flash-pmi-16-December-2014-2.png)
Comments from Hongbin Qu, Chief Economist, China & CoHead of Asian Economic Research at HSBC:
- “The HSBC China Manufacturing PMI dropped to a seven-month low of 49.5 in the flash reading for December, down from 50.0 in November.
- Domestic demand slowed considerably and fell below 50 for the first time since April 2014.
- Price indices also fell sharply.
- The manufacturing slowdown continues in December and points to a weak ending for 2014.
- The rising disinflationary pressures, which fundamentally reflect weak demand, warrant further monetary easing in the coming months.”
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The Flash PMI is typically based on around 85 to 90% of the responses to surveys sent to purchasing managers at more than 420 firms. Well get the final reading next week.