China factory growth slows in November: Flash PMI

China’s vast factory sector notched up slower growth in November than expected as new export orders shrank according to a preliminary survey on Thursday, Reuters reported. The result met with expectations the economy could lose some of its vigor in the fourth quarter as Beijing shifts its focus to structural reform. The HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 50.4 from October’s final reading of 50.9. But it remained above the 50 line which demarcates expansion from contraction for the fourth consecutive month, indicating the government has achieved the stability it sought to push through reforms.