IN BRIEF (Page 2)

Beijing

Manufacturing activity up slightly

China's manufacturing activity expanded for a second consecutive month in April but at a slower pace. April's purchasing managers index came in at 50.1 in April, after 50.2 in March, and below market expectations of 50.3, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, and lower than 50 a contraction.