The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for China increased 0.6 percent in October. The index stands at 273.7 (2004 = 100), following a 1.1 percent increase in September and a 0.7 percent increase in August. Five of the six components contributed positively to the index in October.

Says Andrew Polk, resident economist at The Conference Board China Center in Beijing: "Growth in the China LEI slowed somewhat in October due to weak real estate activity, only partly offset by an improved outlook for manufacturing production and exports. The central government's tacit endorsement of looser real estate restrictions earlier this year, which helped create stronger economic growth in Q3, has reversed due to quickly rising prices. Slower property investment, coupled with a slightly tightened monetary stance, is likely to translate into weaker economic activity in Q4 and into 2014."

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index (CEI) for China, which measures current economic activity, increased 0.8 percent in October to 250.7 (2004 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in September and a 1.2 percent increase in August. Four of the five components contributed positively to the index in October.