BEIJING, Aug 3 Reuters China39;s services activity expanded at a slightly faster pace in July, supported by a jump in business in the summer travel season, a privatesector business survey showed on Thursday, partly offsetting the drag from the weak manufacturing sector.

The CaixinSP Global services purchasing managers39; index PMI rose to 54.1 in July from 53.9 in June, marking an expansion of business activity across the services sector for the seventh straight month. The 50point mark separates expansion from contraction in activity.

The data was in contrast to an official survey on Monday which showed services activity has continued to soften. Analysts said the different compositions of surveyed firms and methodologies may account for the divergence.

The world39;s secondlargest economy staged a solid rebound in the first quarter after strict COVID curbs were suddenly removed late last year, but the recovery has faded quickly in recent months as demand at home and abroad weakens.

Authorities have rolled out a series of policy measures in recent weeks to support the flagging recovery, though details have been scant, and investors are expecting more to come.

In terms of policies, the top priorities should still be guaranteeing employment, stabilizing expectations and increasing household income, said Wang Zhe, senior economist at Caixin Insight Group.

Companies said improved operating conditions, greater client numbers and new product releases had boosted sales at…