BEIJING — A frequently monitored assessment of China’s manufacturing sector has now moved into the positive range, as reported by the national statistics agency on Thursday.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has increased to 50.1, which indicates an improvement compared to the previous month. This marks the first uptick after five consecutive months of decline.

The recent increase comes on the heels of the central bank’s announcement in late September regarding several initiatives aimed at reinvigorating the economy. Investors and business leaders are now anticipating whether the government will introduce further stimulus measures during an upcoming session of China’s top legislative assembly next week.