China’s factory activity expanded for a second consecutive month in April but at a slower pace, an official gauge showed, suggesting that the vast manufacturing sector might have lost some steam amid economic headwinds.

China’s factory activity expanded for a second month, the best streak in more than a year, bolstering hopes that the rebound in the world’s second-biggest economy can be sustained.

China's manufacturing and services activity both expanded at a slower pace in April, official surveys showed on Tuesday, suggesting some loss of momentum for the world's second-biggest economy at the start of the second quarter.