China's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index is expected to edge down to 50 in October from 50.1 in September, according to the median forecast of 23 economists surveyed by Reuters. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while one below 50 signals contraction. The National Bureau of Statistics is due to release the data on Saturday, offering an early but incomplete view of manufacturing conditions after exports and industrial output helped lift third-quarter growth. China's economy expanded 4.5% in the July-to-September quarter, faster than the previous quarter's 4.3%, leading analysts to expect the country can meet its 4.5%-5.0% full-year growth target without further stimulus. Manufacturing remains uneven: chipmakers and other high-tech producers have benefited from stronger product prices linked to the global AI boom and state support for technological self-reliance, while traditional manufacturers face weak demand and higher input costs. September industrial profit growth improved overall, but profits surged in computer and electronic equipment manufacturing while falling sharply in furniture manufacturing. A property downturn, limited household income growth and weak consumption continue to restrain domestic demand. Retail sales lagged industrial output in September, infrastructure investment fell 4.2% in the first nine months, and auto sales declined for a 12th consecutive month in September. Policymakers have directed cheaper credit toward infrastructure and technology and allocated 550 billion yuan ($82.51 billion) in unused government debt quotas to support local finances and infrastructure investment. The National Development and Reform Commission is preparing an implementation plan for expanding domestic demand from 2026 to 2030. The private RatingDog PMI is forecast to fall to 51.6 from 52.1 in September when it is released on November 2.