China's Caixin manufacturing PMI steady at 51 in October

BEIJING, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Manufacturing activities at smaller Chinese enterprises maintained a steady expansion last month, a private survey showed on Wednesday.

The Caixin China General Manufacturing Purchase Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 51 for October, flat from the September level, according to the survey conducted by financial information service provider Markit and sponsored by Caixin Media Co. Ltd.

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

The Caixin survey samples over 500 manufacturers in China and mainly focuses on small and medium-sized firms.