China services PMI rises to 52.3 in January

(Sharecast News) - China's services sector saw activity pick up in January, according to the latest RatingDog general services purchasing managers index, which rose to 52.3, up from December's six‑month low of 52.0 and ahead of expectations for no change from the prior month. The survey pointed to the strongest expansion in the sector since October, supported by quicker growth in new business and a renewed increase in overseas demand.

Chinese firms also added staff for the first time since July, marking only the fourth month of job creation over the past year.

Work backlogs continued to rise at a moderate pace, with little change in the rate of accumulation, as did input costs, which rose due to higher prices for purchased goods and fuel.

Overall cost inflation, on the other hand, eased to a five‑month low, and output charges were broadly flat.

Business confidence remained positive but dipped below the 2025 average, with respondents citing growing concerns about the global economic outlook.







Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com