China Services Activity Rose to Five-Month High in December 

A private gauge of activity in China’s services sector rose to a five-month high in December, in contrast with an official index that remained in contraction.

The Caixin services purchasing managers index climbed to 52.9 in December from 51.5 in November, Caixin Media Co. and S&P Global said Thursday. A reading above the 50 mark suggests activity expansion, while a reading below that level indicates contraction.