Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index extending a six-year high, as Chinese shares traded in Hong Kong headed for a bull market amid optimism government stimulus is boosting economic growth.

HANG SENG 24,441.61 +225.60 +0.93%

S&P/ASX 200 5,577.4 -6.10 -0.11%

TOPIX 1,286.07 +4.72 +0.37%

SHANGHAI COMP 2,177.95 +51.33 +2.41%

Bank of Communications Co. soared 4.9 percent in Hong Kong on a report the lender wants to sell more stakes to private investors.

Hitachi Chemical Co. soared 9.5 percent in Tokyo after announcing job cuts and reporting a quarterly profit.

Resona Holdings Inc. jumped 5.4 percent after the Japanese bank said it would buy back preferred shares to repay public funds.