HSBC China manufacturing index hits eight-month low

Chinese workers labouring on a television set assembly line in a factory in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. HSBC's preliminary purchasing managers' index (PMI), which tracks manufacturing activity in China's factories and workshops, fell to 48.1 from a final reading of 48.5 in February - EPA Photo.

BEIJING: Chinese manufacturing activity contracted in March to its weakest rate in eight months, data showed Monday, the latest indication that the world's number two economy is slowing down.

HSBC's preliminary purchasing managers' index (PMI), which tracks manufacturing activity in China's factories and workshops, fell to 48.1 from a final reading of 48.5 in February, the British bank said in a statement.