China's NBS Manufacturing PMI expands to 50.3 in December vs. 50.1 expected

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector expanded more than expected to 50.3 in December from 50.1 booked in November, the latest data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Friday.

The actual data beat the consensus estimate of 50.1 by a small margin. 

Meanwhile, the Non-Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.7 in the reported month from November’s reading of 52.3 and against the expectations of 53.1.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below suggests contraction.