The China Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), seen as a bellwether of manufacturing activity in the country, rose to 53.5 in April from 52.4 in March, according to Reuters. This is the second straight month the index has finished in excess of 50, which indicates an expansion of activity in the manufacturing sector. A reading of below 50 suggests a contraction. The PMI, compiled by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, plummeted to a record low of 38.8 last November. Various sub-indexes for employment, imports and input prices all reached at least 50 for the first time in months, further backing the view that China’s economy is inching its way out of the recession.