Manufacturing figures ease fears of economic slowdown

BEIJING - Manufacturing in China rebounded in August, easing fears of a steep correction to the economy, analysts said.

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), a major indicator of economic activity, rose to 51.7 percent in August, up 0.5 percentage points from the July figure, and reversed a three-month fall in the growth rate, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said on Wednesday.