Asia-Pacific markets exhibited a mixed performance on Tuesday, following the release of China’s official data indicating that manufacturing activity has contracted for the sixth consecutive month, although the decline was less severe than anticipated by market estimates. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index registered at 49.8, surpassing the anticipated figure of 49.6. The most recent data, although indicating contraction, reflects the most robust performance since March.

Meanwhile, RatingDog’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index registered at 51.2 for September, surpassing economists’ expectations of 50.2, and reaching its highest level since May. Mainland China’s CSI 300 experienced an increase of 0.45%, concluding the session at 4,640.69. Australia’s central bank maintained its benchmark policy rates at 3.6% on Tuesday, aligning with expectations, as inflation remains at its highest level in over a year. The action aligned with the forecasts of economists, following the country’s earlier announcement of a headline inflation rate of 3% for August — the highest since July 2024 — with housing, food, and alcohol contributing to price increases.

“The Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy meeting on Tuesday is the key event in the Asia-Pacific region,” stated Shier Lee Lim. “Any shift in tone or forward guidance could influence AUD crosses, particularly in light of the recent volatility in building approvals, with August anticipated to reflect a 2.8% increase following July’s 8.2% decline,” she noted. Australia’s benchmark index experienced a decline of 0.16%, settling at 8,848.8. Japan’s Nikkei 225 experienced a decline of 0.25%, settling at 44,932.63. Where as –

• Hang Seng Tech Index saw a gain of 2.38%.
• Kosdaq decreased by 0.56%, finishing at 841.99.
• Topix recorded an increase of 0.19%, reaching 3,137.6.
• The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong experienced an increase of 0.95%.
• Shares of China’s Zijin Gold surged more than 60% upon their debut in Hong Kong.
• South Korea’s Kospi experienced a decline of 0.19%, concluding the trading
  session at 3,424.60.

India’s Nifty 50 and Sensex index exhibited little movement. In the overnight session in the United States, the three primary indices recorded gains. The S&P 500 experienced an uptick as Wall Street recovered some ground following a week during which the artificial intelligence sector showed signs of waning momentum. The broad market index increased by 0.26%, concluding at 6,661.21, while the Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.48%, ending at 22,591.15. The Dow Jones Industrial Average concluded the session with an increase of 68.78 points, equivalent to 0.15%, finishing at 46,316.07.