Chinese manufacturing activity slipped to its lowest level in six months, with indications of slowing growth for the quarter to come in the world’s second-largest economy. The National Bureau of Statistics said its purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for January slipped to 50.5 , a reading just above the threshold for quickening growth. While output was still expanding, a sub-index for new export orders hovered for the second month below the midpoint, indicating slowing growth, and pointing to a lull in factory operations for the next few months. Concern over a slowdown in the Chinese economy contributed to the turmoil that has hit some emerging markets over the past 10 days. Saturday’s data are unlikely to ease those worries. The Chinese new year holiday, which began on Friday, normally corresponds with lower manufacturing activity as overseas orders dry […]