Asian stocks advance as Chinese manufacturing data continues to expand

- As expected, the RBA left interest unchanged at 3%. In its accompanying statement, the central bank said that the current policy is appropriate for the time being. Following the comments from the RBA, the AUD moved into negative territory, as markets continue to seek guidance as to when the RBA will begin hiking rates. - China's Aug PMI manufacturing rose to 54.0 from 53.3, which was the highest level since April 2008. The PMI data was driven by increases in output and new orders. The