China’s services sector activity contracted for the first time in four months as the October PMI fell to 48.2, below the 50 threshold indicating expansion. The decline highlights weakening demand and continued pressure on exports. Analysts attribute the contraction to slowing consumer spending and limited fiscal stimulus despite policy easing measures. Regional markets reacted negatively, with Asian equities slipping on renewed economic concerns. Economists warned that persistent weakness in services could undermine broader recovery momentum and weigh on regional trade flows.