China's manufacturing data shows slight improvement
The Asian stock markets have slightly improved, taking away some of the fear about﻿ a sharp slowdown in China. China's manufacturing data for September was largely steady compared to the previous month. The state's official manufacturing purchasing managers index for September rose to 49.8 from 49.7 in August. Any reading below 50 is regarded as a fall in output, rather than growth. ﻿

Dubai-Mubasher: Asian stock markets were higher on Thursday, helped by easing of fears about a sharp slowdown in China.

China’s manufacturing data for September were largely steady from the previous month.

The state’s official manufacturing purchasing managers index for September rose to 49.8 from 49.7 in August. Economists expected that index to remain unchanged. The Caixin China manufacturing purchasing managers index was at a six-and-a-half year low of 47.2 in September, compared with a preliminary figure of 47.0 and 47.3 in August. Readings below 50 still indicate a contraction in manufacturing activity.

Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.49% to 3,053, while Hang Seng picked up 1.41% to 20,846. Asia Dow index added 1.35%, India’s Sensex (0.28%) and Singapore’s FTSE Straits Times Index (0.76%).