China factory activity stabilises in January

Chinese factory activity expanded last month, data showed Wednesday, the latest indication that the world's second largest economy is stabilising but analysts warned of headwinds caused by emerging US protectionism. The crucial manufacturing sector has for years been struggling in the face of sagging world demand for Chinese products and excess industrial capacity left over from the country's recent infrastructure boom. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg had expected an average of 51.2 for January.