Core Viewpoint - The overall economic sentiment in China is improving, as indicated by the rise in manufacturing and non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Indices (PMI) in December, signaling a recovery in market demand and a more proactive economic policy [1][2]. Manufacturing PMI Analysis - The manufacturing PMI for December stands at 50.1%, marking a 0.9 percentage point increase from the previous month, breaking an eight-month streak below 50% and entering the expansion zone [3]. - Among the 13 sub-indices, production, new orders, new export orders, backlogs, finished goods inventory, purchasing volume, ex-factory prices, raw material inventory, supplier delivery times, and production expectations all showed increases ranging from 0.1 to 2.4 percentage points [3]. - The new orders index has risen above the critical point for the first time since the second half of the year, with specific industries like food processing, textiles, and electronics showing production and new orders indices above 53.0% [3]. Industry-Specific Insights - In the 21 manufacturing sectors surveyed, 16 sectors reported a rise in PMI compared to the previous month, indicating improved operational conditions [5]. - High-tech manufacturing PMI reached 52.5%, up 2.4 percentage points, while equipment manufacturing and consumer goods sectors both recorded PMIs of 50.4%, indicating expansion [5]. - However, industries such as non-metallic mineral products and black metal smelting remain under pressure, with their indices below the critical point [4]. Financial Sector Performance - The financial sector's business activity index and new orders index both rose for two consecutive months, exceeding 60%, indicating enhanced financial support for the real economy [6]. - The construction sector's business activity index increased to 52.8%, up 3.2 percentage points, ending a four-month period below 50% and signaling a rebound in construction activities [6][7]. Business Expectations - The manufacturing production and business activity expectation index rose to 55.5%, the highest since April 2024, while the service sector's expectation index reached 56.4% [8]. - The positive outlook is supported by clear policy signals and a stable trade environment, suggesting a solid foundation for the upcoming year [8]. Future Economic Outlook - The economic policies outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan are expected to provide strategic direction for the next five years, with the recent Central Economic Work Conference setting clear goals for 2026 [9]. - The manufacturing sector is anticipated to achieve steady growth in both quality and quantity in 2026, driven by multiple positive factors [9].

Group 1: Manufacturing Sector - In April, the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) was reported at 49%, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the previous month, indicating a slight contraction in the manufacturing sector [3] - High-tech manufacturing PMI stood at 51.5%, significantly above the overall manufacturing level, indicating continued expansion in this sector [5] - The new orders index for consumer goods manufacturing was at the critical point of 50%, suggesting a good release of domestic market demand [5] Group 2: Business Confidence and Expectations - The production and business activity expectation index for April was 52.1%, remaining in the expansion zone, reflecting strong confidence among enterprises regarding market development [5] - Industries such as food and beverage, automotive, and aerospace showed high expectation indices of 58% and above, indicating robust business activity [7] Group 3: Non-Manufacturing Sector - The non-manufacturing business activity index was at 50.1%, a slight decrease of 0.2 percentage points from the previous month, but still above the critical point, indicating continued expansion [8] - The service sector, particularly tourism and information services, showed positive performance, contributing to the overall growth in non-manufacturing activities [8][9] Group 4: Construction Sector - The construction business activity index was reported at 51.9%, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the previous month, yet still indicating expansion [9] - With the arrival of the construction peak season, civil engineering investment is accelerating, highlighting the role of investment in driving economic growth [10]