China's factory activity expanded at the slowest pace in seven months at the start of 2021, weighed down by falling export orders amid a surging global pandemic and rising costs, a business survey showed on Monday. The slowdown in the manufacturing sector underscores the fragility of the ongoing economic recovery in China, as Beijing grapples with a resurgence of local Covid-19 cases in northern China and navigates rising tensions with Washington and its allies.
Asian shares slip for 5th straight session, silver gets retail boost The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to 51.5 last month, the lowest level since June last year and easing markedly from December's reading of 53.0. The 50-mark separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis.