China's January official PMI slips to 50.5, as expected

[February 01, 2014]  BEIJING (Reuters) — Growth in China's factory sector slowed a tick in January, a government survey showed, reinforcing investor views that the Chinese economy started the year on a softer note as activity cooled.

The official Purchasing Managers' Index edged down to 50.5 in January from December's 51, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Saturday, but right in line with market expectations.

(Reporting by Koh Gui Qing; editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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