China factory activity contracts further in March: HSBC flash PMI

China's manufacturing activity contracted for a third straight month in March, a private survey showed on Monday. The flash Markit/ HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index came in at 48.1, compared with a final reading of 48.5 in February, staying below the 50- mark that divides contraction from expansion in the sector. -Follow us on Twitter@ CNBCWorld.