China’s manufacturing activity slowed in May, according to a private survey of export-oriented firms, in line with an official gauge that suggests the world’s second-largest economy is losing some steam. The RatingDog China manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 51.8 from 52.2 in April, according to a statement released on Monday. That compared with the median forecast of 51.3 by economis...
China’s manufacturing activity slowed in May, according to a private survey of export-oriented firms, in line with an official gauge that suggests the world’s second-largest economy is losing some steam. The RatingDog China manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 51.8 from 52.2 in April, according to a statement released on Monday. That compared with the median forecast of 51.3 by economists. A reading above the 50 threshold indicates improving conditions from the previous month. Official figures released Sunday showed factory activity fell to 50 from 50.3 in April, as disruptions from a five-day break added to pressures on global demand and input costs from the continuing conflict in the Middle East. The war in Iran is taking a toll on smaller export-oriented firms and raising their input costs. Still, tech remains a bright spot, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Nomura Holdings Inc. estimating China’s overseas sales of semiconductors, computers and other products related to artificial intelligence accounted for about half of its export growth in April. The economy, however, is showing signs of faltering after a strong first quarter. Growth slowed across the board in April, with industrial production and retail sales posting their weakest gains in years. Chinese exports have continued to surge this year after an unprecedented $1.2 trillion trade surplus last year. Shipping volumes so far in 2026 are mostly staying above last year’s record-setting levels, thanks in part to demand driven by investments in data centers and power equipment to support a global AI buildout. The surging demand for AI-related goods along with a global oil shock from the war in Iran pushed China’s export prices to rise at the sharpest pace in three years last month. China Export Prices Climb Most in Three Years on Oil Shock World’s Appetite for AI Makes China Less Afraid of Stronger Yuan EU Plans Tougher Trade Measures to Rebuff Chinese Export Surge China’s Economy Succumbs to Slowd...
Australia’s populist One Nation party surged past the ruling Labor party to lead a nationwide opinion poll for the first time, highlighting voter disappointment with last month’s budget and reinforcing signs of a fracturing of the conservative side of politics. One Nation’s primary vote advanced 4 percentage points to 31 per cent from a previous poll conducted ahead of the May 12 budget, while the...
Australia’s populist One Nation party surged past the ruling Labor party to lead a nationwide opinion poll for the first time, highlighting voter disappointment with last month’s budget and reinforcing signs of a fracturing of the conservative side of politics. One Nation’s primary vote advanced 4 percentage points to 31 per cent from a previous poll conducted ahead of the May 12 budget, while the centre-left government slipped 3 points to 28 per cent, according to a Redbridge Group/Accent...