China's non-manufacturing sector slows

Beijing, May 3 (IANS) China's non-manufacturing sector continued to expand in April but the growth slowed from the previous month, authorities said Thursday.

The non-manufacturing sector's Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), a key economic indicator, fell 1.9 percentage points from March to 56.1 percent, according to a China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) statement.

A PMI reading above 50 percent indicates expansion from the previous month, while readings below this mark indicate a contraction.

Taking account of seasonal factors, the index had increased for two consecutive months before retreating in April, reported Xinhua.