Asia markets: China says its factory activity growth slowed in February

SINGAPORE — Stocks in Asia-Pacific traded higher Monday morning, as official data released over the weekend showed China’s manufacturing activity growth slowing in February. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 2.07% in early trade, as the index attempted to recover from its nearly 4% plunge on Friday . The Topix index gained 1.56%. Stocks in Australia edged higher in morning trade, as the S&P/ASX 200 gained 1.1%. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan traded 0.08% higher. South Korea’s markets are closed on Monday for a holiday. China manufacturing PMI In economic developments, China’s official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index…