China’s business climate index has dropped below 130 points for the first time since the 2003 SARS crisis, state media reported, citing the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The index, which measures the performance of 19,500 Chinese firms, fell to 128.6 points in the third quarter, down 16.1 points from the same period last year and 8.8 points from the second quarter. All sectors reported notable declines in the business climate index when compared to the same period last year. The business climate index of China’s listed companies fell to 145.6 points in the third quarter, down 18.5 points from the second quarter.
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