Manufacturing returns to growth

The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index showed that China entered expansion territory in March, indicating a notable improvement in the country's manufacturing sector.

Economists said the rise showed policies to bolster growth have begun to pay off, and the world's second-largest economy is likely to achieve steady expansion this year.

The PMI, released on Monday, recovered for the second consecutive month and stood at 50.8 in March, versus 49.9 in February.