World stock markets started the new month in buoyant mood Monday after a raft of manufacturing surveys provided further evidence that the global economy may be poised for recovery later this year.

Equity markets in the region hit multi-month highs on Monday as commodity stocks were buoyed by fresh data from China showing manufacturing activity in Asia’s second-largest economy expanding for another month.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is leading a rally at Michigan’s state Capitol to call for new policies to help revive U.S. manufacturing and the domestic auto industry.

Broad-based selling greets the dollar to kick off June, as investors pile into commodities and equities amid hopes the worst of the global recession will soon be over. Commodities-oriented currencies lead Monday’s charge against the greenback.