Asia's benchmark stock index snapped a three-day loss amid optimism the Federal Reserve will maintain record monetary stimulus. Japanese shares rallied the most in almost a month.

Nikkei 225 13,533.76 +271.94 +2.05%

Hang Seng 22,255 -27.19 -0.12%

S&P/ASX 200 4,900.81 +12.50 +0.26%

Shanghai Composite 2,272.42 -26.84 -1.17%

Man Wah Holdings Ltd., a furniture maker that gets 51 percent of its sales in the U.S., gained 7.7 percent in Hong Kong.

Daiwa Securities Group Inc., Japan's second-largest brokerage, rebounded 12 percent after slumping 11 percent yesterday.

Billabong International Ltd., the Australian surfwear company that has breached debt-payment terms, plunged 49 percent after takeover talks with two suitors ended.