Asian stocks climbed, with the benchmark regional gauge heading for its biggest three-day gain this year, as global policy makers signaled they may take steps to stimulate economic growth.

Nikkei 225 8,639.72 +106.19 +1.24%

S&P/ASX 200 4,108.6 +53.31 +1.31%

Shanghai Composite 2,293.13 -16.43 -0.71%

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s largest mining company, advanced 1.5 percent in Sydney as Australian employment unexpectedly rose in May, driven by hiring amid the nation’s minerals boom.

Mitsubishi Corp., the No. 1 Japanese trading house, rose 1.2 percent and Komatsu Ltd., a mining-equipment maker, gained 2.1 percent in Tokyo as investors bought shares of companies with profits closely tied to economic growth.