The latest set of Caixin China Composite PMI™ data (which covers both manufacturing and services) pointed to a further rise in Chinese business activity during August, with the rate of expansion little changed from that seen in July. This was shown by the Composite Output Index falling only fractionally from July's 22-month high of 51.9 to 51.8 in August.

A further increase in total business activity was supported by moderate expansions of activity and output across the services and manufacturing sectors in August. The Caixin China General Services Business Activity Index rose from 51.7 to 52.1 in August. Although this showed that the rate of services activity growth picked up slightly from July, it remained moderate overall and slower than the series average. Meanwhile, manufacturers raised output for the second successive month, though the rate of expansion softened since July.