China services activity hits 7-month high but US trade fears dent optimism, Caixin PMI shows
Hindustan TimesBEIJING, - China's services activity expanded at the fastest pace in seven months in December, driven by a surge in domestic demand, but orders from abroad declined, reflecting growing trade risks to the economy, a private sector survey showed on Monday. China services activity hits 7-month high but US trade fears dent optimism, Caixin PMI shows The Caixin/S&P Global services purchasing managers' index rose to 52.2 in December from 51.5 the previous month. "Since late September, the synergy of existing policies and additional stimulus measures has continued to act on the market, producing more positive factors," said Wang Zhe, Senior Economist at Caixin Insight Group. Wang said prominent downward pressures persist with tepid domestic demand and mounting unfavourable external factors: "The external environment is expected to become more complex this year, requiring early policy preparation and timely responses."