Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index on course for its biggest gain since September, after slower-than-estimated U.S. economic growth stoked speculation the Federal Reserve may hold back from reducing stimulus.

Nikkei 225 13,213.55 +379.54 +2.96%

Hang Seng 20,513.42 +174.87 +0.86%

S&P/ASX 200 4,811.3 +79.59 +1.68%

Shanghai Composite 1,950.01 -1.48 -0.08%

Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest maker of smartphones, climbed 6.2 percent in Seoul.

China Gas Holdings Ltd. gained 5.4 percent in Hong Kong after the supplier of natural gas to 172 Chinese cities posted earnings that beat estimates.

Newcrest Mining Ltd., Australia's biggest gold producer, jumped 6.3 percent as the bullion headed for its first advance in four days.