The PMI readings for the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors in China varied in December.

Data released by the Chinese Federation of Logistics on Tuesday morning showed that manufacturing activity in China experienced a slight slowdown in December, while non-manufacturing activity in China increased.

According to the data, China recorded a growth in the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector at 50.1 points in December, which was below market expectations that indicated a reading of 50.3 points. The previous reading had shown growth at 50.3 points in November.

At the same time, data from the Chinese Federation of Logistics and Purchasing indicated that the Purchasing Managers' Index for non-manufacturing activity in China expanded in December, recording 52.2 points, which was significantly higher than market expectations that forecasted a growth to 50.2 points. The November reading recorded 50.0 points.

It is noteworthy that when the PMI index records a reading above 50 points, it indicates growth in the activity of the sector, whether manufacturing or non-manufacturing, while readings below 50 indicate a contraction in sector activity.