FMG / IO Outlook and News, page-7

China Composite Pmi
The Caixin China Composite PMI increased to 52.6 in February of 2017 from 52.2 in the prior month. as growth in composite new business quickened to solid pace in February and the second-fastest rate of composite new order growth since March 2013. Mean time new orders placed with manufacturers, the second-strongest in 31 months, while services companies also recorded a solid uptum in new order intakes with rate of expansion unchanged from that seen at the start of the year. While manufacturers reported the highest level of positive sentiment for 21 months, confidence in the service sector fell slightly from January's 11-month high. " The Chinese economy is expected to maintain the growth momentum in the first quarter of this year. But signs of weakening may emerge from the second quarter," said Dr. Zhengsheng Zhong, Director of Macroeconomic Analysis at CEBM Group. Composite Pmi in China averaged 50.99 from 2013 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 53.50 in December of 2016 and a record low of 48 in September of 2015. Composite Pmi in China is reported by Markit Economics.