The Chinese manufacturing PMI fell to 50.1 in April from 50.2 in March, according to the Chinese government. Analysts had expected the index to increase to 50.4.

A reading above the 50 mark indicates expansion, a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

The decrease was driven by falls in output, new orders and employment. The production sub-index declined to 52.2 in April from 52.3 in March, the new orders sub-index was down to 51 from 51.4, and the new exports sub-index fell to 50.1 from 50.2, while the employment sub-index decreased to 47.8 from 48.1.

The services PMI decreased to 53.5 in April from 53.8 in March.