A Chinese manufacturing gauge unexpectedly increased this month, suggesting export demand is helping the economy withstand a property slump.

The preliminary Purchasing Managers Index from HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics was at 50.5, matching the highest estimates in a Bloomberg News survey of analysts and up from August's final reading of 50.2.

Tuesday's report contrasts with August data that showed weaker growth and may ease pressure for stimulus that is broader than the limited liquidity injections and expedited spending on railways that the government has enacted.