Australian S&P/ASX 200 index closed up 59.70 points, or 0.69%, at 8,674.10 on Friday, Oct. 2.

UK Debt Management Office to hold an interim gilt auction on Oct 7 to sell up to GBP1.5 bln of a 2028-dated gilt.

S&P Global Market Intelligence chief business economist Chris Williamson said US manufacturing accelerated in September, with the PMI at its highest level since May 2022. A surge in new orders drove sharp increases in output and employment; backlogs climbed and suppliers grew busier, signalling capacity is tightening. Machinery investment and production were especially strong, often linked to rising AI-related spending. Export orders continued to fall, but precautionary inventory rebuilding amid price and supply concerns is supporting demand. With demand outstripping supply and oil prices elevated, inflationary pressure remains a key risk, and faster growth, stronger hiring and higher price measures will intensify market expectations of further Fed rate hikes.