Growth remains sluggish in April

A key index gauging China's factory activity dipped in April, which analysts said is a sign the world's second-largest economy is still suffering from slow growth despite improved macroeconomic data in the first quarter.

Released on Tuesday, the Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index, which surveys mainly mid-sized and small enterprises, fell to 49.4 last month from 49.7 in March, the 14th month below the 50 mark that divides economic expansion from contraction.

According to the survey, the subindex of new export orders dropped for the fifth straight month. It was largely on par with the March level, and total new orders from at home and abroad were unchanged.