Since Tuesday's US market close, we got a slew of economic data that painted a mixed picture of the world economy.

China's manufacturing slump is intensifying. The preliminary Caixin-Markit flash purchasing manufacturer's index (PMI) fell to 47.0 in September, its lowest level since March 2009. Any reading below 50 signals industry contraction. Nearly every subcomponent of the index, including employment, new orders, and output, was decreasing at a faster rate.

France unexpectedly improves. The country's Markit flash manufacturing PMI unexpectedly signaled expansion, jumping to 50.4 in September from 48.3 in August. The services PMI climbed to 51.2 from 50.6.

Germany is growing, but at a decelerating pace. The Markit/BME flash manufacturing PMI slipped to 52.5 in September from 53.3 in August, while the services PMI fell to 54.3 from 54.9.