Asian stocks rose, with the benchmark regional equities gauge heading for its longest winning streak in seven weeks, as investors speculated stimulus measures will boost economic growth and increase profits.

Nikkei 225 13,288.13 +95.78 +0.73%

Hang Seng 21,896.4 +26.06 +0.12%

S&P/ASX 200 4,968 -8.84 -0.18%

Shanghai Composite 2,223.3 -2.47 -0.11%

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s largest miner, climbed 1.7 percent to advance for a fourth day in Sydney, its longest winning streak in more than two months.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Japan’s biggest bank, rose to the highest since June 2009 as speculation grew that Bank of Japan stimulus measures will boost earnings at financial-services firms.

Billabong International Ltd. slumped 27 percent after the Australian surfwear maker said it will hold talks on a A$287 million ($300 million) takeover deal.