Survey: China manufacturing rises to 7-month high

HONG KONG A survey says Chinese manufacturing activity rose to a seven-month high in October, suggesting continued momentum for the rebound in the world's second-biggest economy.

A preliminary version of HSBC's purchasing managers index released Thursday rose to 50.9 from 50.2 in September.

The index uses a 100-point scale on which numbers below 50 indicate contraction.

Output, new orders and new export orders all increased at a faster rate. HSBC said the recovery's momentum is likely to continue in the coming months, "creating favorable conditions for speeding up structural reforms."

Data released earlier this month showed China's economic growth rebounded to 7.8 percent in the July-September quarter after hitting a two-decade low. The growth provides relief for communist leaders, allowing them to focus on long-term reforms rather than stimulus.