Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index headed for its biggest weekly advance since April, amid optimism central bank stimulus and improving economic growth in the U.S. will buoy equities.

Nikkei 225 14,506.25 +33.67 +0.23%

Hang Seng 21,298.3 -139.19 -0.65%

S&P/ASX 200 4,973.89 +8.19 +0.16%

Shanghai Composite 2,039.49 -33.50 -1.62%

Miner BHP Billiton Ltd. gained 1.4 percent, tracking a surge overnight in metals prices.

Fast Retailing Co. sank 5.8 percent in Tokyo after Asia’s biggest clothing retailer reported earnings declined.

Newcrest Mining Ltd., Australia’s No. 1 gold miner, jumped 8.9 percent as the price of the precious metal headed for its steepest weekly surge in 21 months.