Asia stocks mixed as China factory activity contracts for sixth month

September 30, 2025 (MLN): Asia markets delivered a mixed performance on Tuesday as fresh economic data from China pointed to ongoing weakness in its manufacturing sector, though with some signs of improvement.

China’s official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) registered 49.8 in September, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

In contrast, a private gauge compiled by RatingDog painted a brighter picture, reporting a PMI of 51.2  its highest since May and comfortably above forecasts for 50.2, according to CNBC.

Despite the mixed signals, mainland China’s CSI 300 index was largely unchanged at the open.

Elsewhere in the region, investor attention turned to Australia, where the Reserve Bank of Australia is set to share its policy decision later today.

“The RBA’s meeting is the most closely watched event in the Asia-Pacific today,” noted Shier Lee Lim, lead FX and macro strategist for APAC at Convera to CNBC.

She added that any changes in policy tone could sway the Australian dollar, particularly after recent volatility in housing data. Economists anticipate building approvals to rebound by 2.8% in August after a sharp 8.2% decline in July.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index was little moved in early trade.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dipped 0.1% while the broader Topix hovered near flat. South Korea’s Kospi was also steady, though the Kosdaq slipped 0.34%.

Hong Kong equities advanced, with the Hang Seng index gaining 0.45% and the Hang Seng Tech Index climbing 1.01%. Shares of Zijin Gold surged more than 60% on their trading debut in the city.

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