China factory activity stalls in May as demand weakens

China's factory activity suffered a slowdown in May, as reported by official data. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for manufacturing remained at 49.6, indicating contraction below the neutral 50 mark. This stall is significant as it suggests waning demand, which could influence global markets and trade dynamics. Analysts will likely assess the potential impact on major trading partners and multinational corporations, especially in technology and consumer goods sectors. The data reflects ongoing challenges in China's economic recovery post-pandemic, affecting numerous companies such as Apple (AAPL) that rely on the Chinese market.