BEIJING - [Hong Kong Company Formation]Manufacturing activity in April fell to a 12 month low at 49.2, according to HSBC's preliminary purchasing managers' index released on Thursday.

The HSBC/Markit flash China manufacturing output index posted 50.4 this month, a three-month low, data company Markit said in a statement.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, [Offshore Company Incorporation]while a reading below 50 represents contraction.