Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index heading toward a five-month high, as China reported economic growth accelerated, boosting the outlook for the global economy.

Nikkei 225 14,561.54 -24.97 -0.17 %,

Hang Seng 23,314.06 +219.18 +0.95 %

S&P/ASX 200 5,321.5 +38.40 +0.73 %

Shanghai Composite 2,193.78 +5.24 +0.24 %

Sands China Ltd. jumped 9 percent toward a record in Hong Kong after the Macau casino operator controlled by billionaire Sheldon Adelson reported profit that beat analyst estimates.

Newcrest Mining Ltd. , Australia’s biggest gold producer, rose 5.3 percent as the bullion traded near a two-week high.

SBI Holdings Inc. fell 3 percent after the Japanese brokerage said it plans to sell convertible bonds.