Asia-Pacific markets showed mixed performance on Tuesday following official Chinese data indicating a contraction in manufacturing activity for the sixth consecutive month, albeit less than market estimates.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) at 49.8 points, compared to expectations of 49.6 points, according to a Reuters poll. Despite the ongoing contraction, the latest reading was the strongest since March.

Meanwhile, the private survey by RatingDog recorded a manufacturing PMI of 51.2 points for September, surpassing economists’ expectations of 50.2 points in a Reuters poll, marking its highest level since May.

The CSI 300 index in China was flat at the open.

Investors are also awaiting the Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate decision later today.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep the interest rate steady at 3.6%, according to a Reuters poll, as rising inflation limits its ability to ease monetary policy.

Shiree Lee Lim, senior foreign exchange analyst and macroeconomic strategist for the Asia-Pacific region at Convera, said, “The Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy meeting on Tuesday is the key event in the Asia-Pacific region.”

She added, “Any change in the bank’s tone or future guidance could move Australian dollar pairs, especially after recent volatility in building approvals, with August expected to show a 2.8% increase following a 8.2% decline in July.”

There was little change in the Australian S&P/ASX 200 index.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.1%, while the Topix index was steady.

South Korea’s Kospi index was flat, while the Kosdaq index declined 0.34%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.45%, while the Hang Seng Tech index added 1.01%. Shares of Chinese company Zijin Gold surged more than 60% in their Hong Kong debut.