China's economy gathered strength in April despite deepening global gloom, with brokerage CLSA's
Purchasing Managers' Index rising to a four-year high of 55.4 from 54.4 in March.
Output and new orders grew at the fastest pace in six months; firms hired staff at the briskest clip since September; and inflation dipped from March's survey-record highs.
The index, which is seasonally adjusted, is designed to give a timely snapshot of business conditions in the manufacturing sector.
A figure above 50 indicates expansion, while one below 50 shows contraction. The Chinese government's PMI for April, released last night, rose to 59.2 from 58.4 in March.
Over a third of those surveyed raised prices.
Firms said they were paying more for a range of inputs, including energy, steel, iron ore and chemicals. With supply shortages driving up global commodity prices, input costs have risen for 27 months in a row.