Southeast Asia's manufacturing sector ended a three-month slowdown in May as
surging domestic demand offset weaker exports, S&P Global said. The regional
manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5 in May from 50.7 in April, staying above the 50
expansion threshold. Robust new orders enabled firms to raise output. Vietnam
led the region at 52.8, followed by Thailand at 52.6; the Philippines and
Indonesia were also in expansion. Myanmar (49.3) and Malaysia (49.9) remained
below the threshold. S&P Global Markets Intelligence said firms increased
purchasing but hiring remained cautious, with employment edging down in May.