Services sector falls to 4-month low

An indicator of China's non-manufacturing sector in May fell to a four-month low, bucking a trend seen in other purchasing managers' index (PMI) data that showed a stabilizing economy.

The services PMI compiled by HSBC/Markit slipped from April's 51.4 to 50.7 last month, 50 being the point which separates expansion from contraction.

"Growth momentum remains slow and private sector sentiment is weak," HSBC economist Qu Hongbin said of "slight disappointment" in the latest PMI poll.

"Policymakers should continue to ease monetary and fiscal policies in the coming months to help support growth," he said.

Contrasted with HSBS/Markit data, the official PMI for the services sector last month climbed to a six-month high of 55.5, up from April's 54.8.