Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index on course for the biggest advance in 10 months, after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said the U.S. will continue to need stimulus and the Bank of Japan maintained its policy stance.

Nikkei 225 14,472.58 +55.98 +0.39%

Hang Seng 21,423.5 +518.94 +2.48%

S&P/ASX 200 4,965.7 +64.34 +1.31%

Shanghai Composite 2,072.99 +64.86 +3.23%

BHP Billiton Ltd., the largest global mining company, jumped 3.2 percent in Sydney as raw-material stocks posted the biggest increase on the Asia-Pacific benchmark gauge.

Newcrest Mining Ltd., Australia’s No. 1 gold miner, soared 12 percent, its steepest gain in 4 1/2 years, as bullion prices climbed a fourth day.

ABC-Mart Inc. rose 3.6 percent in Tokyo after the shoe retailer reported first-quarter sales surged 21 percent.