Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index headed for its highest close in three months, after Germany backed the European Central Bank’s bond-buying plan, boosting the outlook for Asia-Pacific exporters.

Nikkei 225 8,803.31 +77.02 +0.88%

S&P/ASX 200 4,291.6 +19.01 +0.45%

Shanghai Composite 2,155.54 +0.63 +0.03%

Esprit Holdings Ltd., a clothier that counts Europe as its largest market, gained 25 percent in Hong Kong after it named a new chief executive officer.

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s biggest miner, rose 0.5 percent in Sydney after metal prices increased.

Toshiba Corp., which makes semi-conductors and parts for nuclear reactors, advanced 3.5 percent in Tokyo as it was raised to outperform at CLSA Asia Pacific Markets.

Japanese utilities gained as they rebounded from last month’s plunge.