China’s factory gauges show slowdown on weak demand, Nikkei Asia reports

China’s factory gauges show more signs of slowdown today as weak demand weighs on output, according to Nikkei Asia. The cooling threatens to sap momentum in the world’s second-largest economy, with knock-on effects for global supply chains and commodity demand. It also increases pressure on Beijing to bolster growth as manufacturers struggle to convert tentative order pipelines into sustained production.

Nikkei Asia reports that the latest purchasing managers’ readings point to softer production and new orders, underscoring fragile appetite from buyers. The report cites weak demand as the chief drag and notes signs of caution among factories assessing inventory and hiring plans. Markets will watch the next round of official and private PMI prints, any policy support signals from Beijing, and forthcoming trade data for clearer direction. [Developing. This article will be updated.]