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.

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.

General Motors Corp. said Monday that its U.S. bankruptcy filing will have no impact on its thriving China operations, reaffirming what it called its “aggressive growth strategy.”