New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- China's manufacturing activity resumed expanding in September after two months of contraction, but this mild recovery still paints an unimpressive picture of the country's once-booming economy.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the sector went into expansion by a mere whisker, rising to 50.1 from 49.8 in August. A reading below 50 means a contraction.

That the main engine of what's widely called the world's factory is barely growing underscores the economy's troubles. Domestic consumption has been weak amid a property market slump that has trapped household wealth.

While Beijing's stimulus measures announced this week (including mortgage subsidies for home buyers) could help, it's unclear what a revival woul...