A rocky six months for manufacturers

But earnings to improve next year from pro-growth policies, experts say

It has been a tough half-year for China's A-share listed manufacturers, with many suffering falling earnings and big losses, as the country's economic growth lost momentum.

There have been some stark warnings of hard times ahead, too, for the key sector, often considered the country's economic engine room, as shares in the biggest manufacturing names have experienced a bumpy ride.