The CLSA purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector in August slipped to a five-month low of 52.6 points, though the number still reflects a solid rate of expansion, Forbes reported. The CLSA data noted that manufacturing production has now increased for nine months in a row even as output eased in August, said Forbes. It also noted that the rate of expansion of new business in August was the lowest for five months, reflecting a slight softening of demand from both domestic and export clients. A below 50.0 PMI indicates a slowing manufacturing industry while one above 50.0 suggests it is expanding.