Asian stocks rose, with the regional index heading for the biggest gain in three weeks, amid optimism U.S. lawmakers will lift the debt limit and avoid a default.

Nikkei 225 14,404.74 +210.03 +1.48%

Hang Seng 23,218.32 +267.02 +1.16%

S&P/ASX 200 5,230.87 +83.73 +1.63%

Shanghai Composite 2,228.15 +37.22 +1.70%

Great Wall Motor Co. added 2.8 percent in Hong Kong after the carmaker reported sales increased last month.

Westpac Banking Corp. contributed the most to the regional benchmark’s advance, gaining 2.5 percent in Sydney after agreeing to buy Lloyds Banking Group Plc’s assets in Australia.

Fast Retailing Co., Asia’s largest clothing retailer, fell 3.2 percent in Tokyo after forecasting profit that missed analyst estimates.