China factory activity returns to growth

China's manufacturing activity returned to the plus side in September for the first time in three months. A government survey shows production was up in sectors such as high-tech and food processing.

The National Bureau of Statistics says its Purchasing Managers' Index stood at 50.1, an improvement of 0.3 points over August. A figure above 50 indicates growth, while one below 50 means a contraction. The index covers 3,200 manufacturers.

The index for non-manufacturers also recovered to the 50 mark in September for the first time in three months. It came in at 50.2, up 1.2 points from the previous month, as activity picked up in the construction industry.