The growth of China’s non-productive activity by Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s January manufacturing activity grew faster than in December, an official survey showed on Monday, suggesting policymakers should introduce more stimulus measures to boost depressed domestic demand.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the official non-manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI), which includes services and construction, fell to 50.2 from 52.2 in December. The 50-point mark separates expansion from contraction in monthly activity.

The NBS composite PMI, which includes manufacturing and services, came in at 50.1 in January versus 52.2 in December.

(This story has been edited in the headline and paragraph 1 to clarify that manufacturing activity has risen, not fallen.)