The ASEAN S&P Global manufacturing PMI showed slightly stronger growth in the sector with the index rising to 51 in August from 50.8 predominantly driven by Indonesia (PMI 53.9). There has been positive manufacturing activity in the region for two years. It is mixed though with four of the seven countries recording growth in the sector. Thailand and the Philippines fell below the 50-breakeven mark in August while Vietnam rose above it.

• The pickup in the ASEAN PMI was due to an increase in new orders and output growth rising to a 3-month high. Employment was steady after having fallen for the previous five months. Price and cost increases rose in August with the latter at its fastest pace since April but they remain below average. S&P Global sees a risk to growth in the region from higher rates and the slower global economy.
• Business confidence improved to its highest in four months as output is expected to grow over the coming year. It has been below average though this year.
• S&P Global report that supply chains continue to improve in ASEAN with average lead times decreasing for the sixth consecutive month.
• See S&P Global ASEAN PMI report here.

Source: MNI - Market News/Bloomberg/S&P Global