fA key measure of China's all-important manufacturing sector has nose-dived to its lowest level in 78 months, yet another sign that the country's factories are running out of steam. The "flash" measure of sentiment among manufacturing purchasing managers fell to 47.0 in September, the worst figure in more than six years, and a drop from the index's final reading of 47.3in August, according to Caixin Insight and Markit Economics. Any number below 50 indicates a deceleration in the manufacturing sector.