China's services activity expanded at a slightly slower pace in January as new orders fell, a private-sector survey showed on Monday, suggesting a soft start for the world's No.2 economy amid tepid demand and a property slump. The Caixin/S&P Global services purchasing managers' index (PMI) edged down to 52.7 from 52.9 in December, but remained above the 50-mark that separates expansion from contraction for the 13th consecutive month. The figure comes after official data last week showed factory activity contracted again, offering a snapshot of the state of the economy at the start of the year. China's economy is ... (full story)