China's business climate index, a major measure of macro-economic outlook, rose by 3 points in the second quarter while entrepreneur confidence weakened over the previous quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Friday.

The quarterly business climate index, based on a survey of about 20,000 Chinese firms, advanced to 135.9 points from 132.9 in the first quarter, the NBS said in a statement on its website.

The index ranges from zero to 200. A reading above 100 shows economic expansion, while a reading below 100 indicates contraction. The survey began in 1998.

All sectors reported business indices above 100 for the fourth straight quarter, which indicated expansion, said the statement.

The index for the industrial sector rose by 3.5 points over previous quarter to 128.1 in the second quarter.

The business climate index for the real estate sector, however, fell by 8.5 points to 127.3 due to the government's measures to discourage property speculation.

The entrepreneur confidence index, a gauge of the understanding, views and projections of business people, however, dipped by 2.5 points from the previous quarter to 133 in the second quarter, said the NBS.

Entrepreneur confidence levels varied in different sectors, according to the NBS.

Entrepreneur confidence levels in restaurants, catering and other tertiary sectors all rose in the second quarter. Confidence levels of business people in construction, transportation and postal services were unchanged compared with the first quarter.

Industrial, wholesale and retail entrepreneurs were less confident than the first quarter. Confidence dropped the most by 23 points to 109.3 in the second quarter, indicating the government's tightening measures since April were affecting those sectors.