AsianFin -- China’s manufacturing sector contracted for the sixth consecutive month in September, an official survey showed Tuesday, underscoring weak domestic demand and lingering uncertainty over a U.S. trade deal.

The official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edged up to 49.8 from 49.4 in August, remaining below the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction, but topping the Reuters poll forecast of 49.6.