South Korea's manufacturing activity grew at the fastest pace in four months in September, driven by strong performance in the chip and auto industries and export demand that rose at the fastest pace in 15 and a half years. According to Sina Finance, S&P Global said South Korea's manufacturing PMI rose to 53.9 in September from 52.3 in August, the highest level since May and the 10th straight month above 50.

S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Usamah Bhatti said new orders and output both grew at their fastest pace in about five and a half years, with feedback indicating the expansion was mainly driven by synchronized growth in the semiconductor and auto industries. Output growth reached its highest level since March 2021, while new orders rose at the fastest pace since February 2021. New export orders posted their biggest increase since March 2011, with Europe and Asia showing particularly strong performance. Manufacturers' optimism for the year ahead climbed to an eight-month high.