Asian stocks rose after the Bank of Japan maintained its asset purchasing program before its governor steps down next month amid speculation an unexpected contraction in Japan’s economy in the fourth quarter will boost efforts to end deflation.

Nikkei 225 11,307.28 +55.87 +0.50%

Hang Seng Closed

S&P/ASX 200 5,036.88 +33.22 +0.66%

Shanghai Composite Closed

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. advanced 5.8 percent as the biggest beer maker in Japan by market share said it will buy back as much as 4.3 percent of its stock and forecast profit will rise 15 percent.

Alumina Ltd. soared 7.5 percent in Sydney after Citic Resources Holdings Ltd. agreed to buy a stake in the company for A$452 million ($468 million).

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. lost 2.2 percent as earnings declined on charges at its Australian and Philippine businesses.