(Yicai Global) May 6 -- China's service sector expanded last month to buck forecasts of a decline, according to the Caixin purchasing managers' index for services.

The April services PMI was up 0.1 point from March at 54.5, according to data published by Caixin. Market forecasts had suggested it would sink to 54.2.

China has two key PMIs. The official PMI is run by the state and comprises 3,000 companies, most of which are large and state-owned, and the Caixin index, often known as the Caixin-Markit Index, reaches out to 500 businesses that are typically smaller and privately owned.

A number above 50 in either index indicates expansion, a figure below 50 suggests contraction.

The Caixin composite PMI, which measures output in both manufacturing and services, was down 0.2 point at 52.7.

Editor: James Boynton