China's April HSBC Flash PMI came slightly stronger than expected but suggests manufacturing may remain in a contractionary state for the sixth month in a row. The problem for all those stimulus junkies is that while it does suggest contraction, the data rose modestly from last month's final HSBC Manufacturing PMI print. So is this data not cold enough for massive stimulus (which Australia must be craving given tonight's dismal PPI print) and not warm enough for the 'double-rip' camp and the expected hockey-stick in global growth that is to occur any moment now? For now the market seems on the fence.
[4]