China factory output expands for first time in six months

China’s manufacturing output expanded in October for the first time since April, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching 50.1, up from September’s 49.8. This unexpected growth comes as Beijing battles sluggish consumption and property sector crisis. The government has implemented various measures to boost the economy, including rate cuts and looser home-buying restrictions. Officials remain confident about achieving their 5% annual growth target despite IMF’s 4.8% forecast.READ FULL