Official data released today shows that activity in China's manufacturing sector expanded more slowly than expected in April.

The official Purchasing Managers' Index or PMI stood at 50.1 in April, compared with the previous month's reading of 50.2.

Meanwhile, a survey shows the country's service sector activity also slowed in April, with PMI for the non-manufacturing sector at 53.5 in April, down from 53.8 in March. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 represents contraction.