Profits at Chinese industrial companies have risen at their fastest pace in more than 18 months, in a sign that stimulus measures are helping to cushion the slowdown in China’s manufacturing sector, reported the Financial Times. China’s economy grew at its weakest pace in 25 years last year. The factory sector has been the hardest hit as rampant excess capacity and weak demand have led to price declines. Official data released on Sunday showed industrial profits rose 4.8 per cent in January and February compared to a year earlier and in contrast to a fall of 4.7 per cent in December.