China factory activity unexpectedly shrinks in Oct, dents recovery momentum

Published Oct 30, 2023 09:40PM ET Updated Oct 31, 2023 01:11AM ET © Reuters. A worker wearing a face mask works on a production line manufacturing bicycle steel rim at a factory, as the country is hit by the novel coronavirus outbreak, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China March 2, 2020. China Daily via REUTERS/File Photo By Joe Cash BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s manufacturing activity unexpectedly contracted in October, underlining the daunting task facing policymakers as they try to revitalise economic growth heading into the end of the year and 2024 amid multiple challenges at home and abroad. Recent indicators pointed…