Via Caixin:
Latest survey data signalled subdued overall operating conditions in the Chinese manufacturing sector at the start of 2019. Production and total new work were both slightly down at the start of the year, despite a renewed increase in export orders. Relatively muted demand conditions underpinned the first fall in purchasing activity for 20 months, while firms also registered lower inventories of both purchased and finished items.
On a positive note, employment levels fell at the weakest rate for nine months, while confidence towards the business outlook was at its highest since May 2018.