Materials producers

Asian stocks rose, led by commodities producers, as copper and oil prices increased and sales of existing homes in the U. S. surged the most on record, fueling speculation a global economic recovery is strengthening. BHP added 4.1 % to A$38.11 after copper futures climbed 5.1 % in New York on Aug. 21, the steepest gain since June 1. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 2.1 % to 112.37 as of 10:33 a. m. in Tokyo, with about 14 times as many stocks gaining as retreating. All 10 industry groups climbed, led by materials producers.