South korea: South Korea's manufacturing confidence has rebounded into positive territory for the first time in three months despite prolonged tensions in the Middle East, a poll showed Monday. The professional survey index (PSI) for the manufacturing sector's business outlook rose to 107 for June from 95 for May.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a PSI reading above 100 indicates that optimists outnumber pessimists, while a figure below the benchmark suggests the opposite. The PSI outlook had remained below the 100 mark for April and May before rebounding for June.

By sector, the outlook for the chip industry increased to 156 for June, up from 150 estimated for May. Companies in the display, automobile, machinery, and bio-health sectors also reported improved business sentiment for June compared with May.

In contrast, confidence in the shipbuilding and steel sectors fell to 100 and 122 for June, down 7 points and 24 points from the previous month, respectively. The PSI readings for the mobile phone and textile sectors remained below the threshold at 80 and 93, respectively.