Most SE Asia stocks gain on China data

Most Southeast Asian stock markets ended higher as upbeat manufacturing data from China and Japan boosted investor sentiment in the region, while Thailand hit a near 24-year closing high.

China's manufacturing activity in September grew at the fastest pace since 2012 as factories cranked up output to take advantage of strong demand and high prices, easing worries of a slowdown before a key political meeting next month.

Meanwhile, a Bank of Japan survey showed big manufacturers in the country have more confidence in Japan's business conditions than they have had for a decade as a weak yen and strong global demand add momentum to the economic recovery. 

"Anything that will boost economies of Japan and China will improve the sentiment in the region. Prospect of continuous improvement on the economic side will boost equities along the way," said Manny Cruz, analyst at Manila-based Asiasec Equities Inc.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand gained 0.93% and closed at their highest level since January 1994 after consumer price index data for September indicated that the Bank of Thailand had room to keep monetary policy loose to aid growth.

Indonesian shares ended 0.2% firmer at an over one-month closing high.

Indonesia's annual inflation rate eased for a fourth month in September to its lowest since March on the back of a continued decline in food prices, the statistics bureau said on Monday.

Singapore shares gained the most in the region, ending up 1.3%, after data showed the country's private home prices rose for the first time in four years in the third quarter, marking a possible turning point for the sector.

DBS Group Holdings and United Overseas Bank Ltd closed up 2% and 2.1%, respectively.

Vietnam shares pared early gains and closed 0.3% down, while Malaysia ended marginally lower, posting its 10th straight session of loss.