China manufacturing activity hits six month low

Activity in some of China's factories and workshops hit a six month low in November, a fresh survey has shown.

The preliminary data from lending giant HSBC, called the purchasing manager's index (PMI), measures a number of variables including new export orders.

It showed that factory output contracted in November for the first time in six months.

China's manufacturing sector is a key driver of its economy, which is key to global growth.

The preliminary PMI reading came in at

Eurozone business growth slows in September, PMI survey finds

Eurozone business growth cooled in September for a second consecutive month, dropping to its slowest pace since December, a survey suggests.

The latest Markit Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 52.3 from August's 52.5.

A reading above 50 indicates growth.

Modest growth in Europe's biggest economy, Germany, provided some cheer, but the eurozone was brought down by stagnation elsewhere, particularly in France, where PMI fell to 49.1.

Manufacturing across the eurozone fared worse than the service sector, with the PMI reading falling to 50.5, the lowest measure since July of last year.

"The survey paints a picture of ongoing malaise in the eurozone economy," said Chris Williamson, Markit's chief economist.

"With growth of output and