Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index heading for its highest close in a month, amid speculation the Federal Reserve will expand stimulus measures and after the Group of 20 leaders pledged to support economic growth and help overcome Europe’s debt crisis.

Nikkei 225 8,752.31 +96.44 +1.11%

Hang Seng 19,529.58 +112.91 +0.58%

S&P/ASX 200 4,132.44 +9.11 +0.22%

Shanghai Composite 2,292.88 -7.92 -0.34%

Sony Corp., Japan’s biggest exporter of consumer electronics, gained 3.5 percent after the country’s overseas shipments rose.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. jumped 4.3 percent after the Japanese bank said it plans to boost overseas loans this year.

Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd. surged 9.7 percent in Sydney after News Corp. offered to buy Australia’s largest pay television network for A$2 billion ($2 billion).