Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index poised for the first gain in six days, as investors await a European Central Bank meeting. Material and energy companies climbed as oil and copper prices increased.

Nikkei 225 8,680.57 +0.75 +0.01%

S&P/ASX 200 4,312.9 +34.13 +0.80%

Shanghai Composite 2,042.77 +5.09 +0.25%

HSBC Holdings Plc, Europe’s biggest lender, rose 0.7 percent in Hong Kong.

Lynas Corp. surged 42 percent in Sydney after it said Malaysia issued a temporary operating license for a rare-earths refinery.

Billabong International Ltd., a surfwear maker, gained 7.1 percent in Sydney after receiving another takeover offer.