Chinese shares continued to rise after a government survey indicated that factory activity had picked up unexpectedly in March.
The latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.1, up from February’s 49.9 and higher than market forecasts.
A reading above 50 points shows an expansion in activity in the sector, while one below indicates contraction.
The Shanghai Composite index closed up 1.7% at 3,810.29, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.7% to 25,082.75.
However, while the official PMI survey suggested activity had expanded, a private survey indicated it had contracted, in line with preliminary figures released earlier this month.
The final HSBC/Markit PMI came in at 49.6, slightly higher than a “flash” reading of 49.2.
China has cut interest rates twice since November, among other measures, to try to boost activity.
via BBC
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