Economic growth slows in August

Growth in China's general economic activities, measured by a private purchasing managers' index, slowed in August, signaling the world's second-largest economy may face stronger headwinds.

The Caixin/Markit composite purchasing managers' index (PMI), which covers both the manufacturing and service sectors, weakened in August, standing at 52, the lowest in five months, compared with 52.3 in the previous month.

The Caixin/Markit services PMI fell to 51.5, the lowest in 10 months, from July's 52.8.