Equities advance on stimulus speculation

Mainland stocks rose to the highest level in almost a month on speculation the government will take steps to boost economic growth after trade data missed estimates and industrial output grew at the slowest pace in three years.

The Shanghai Composite Index added 0.3 percent to 2,134.89 at Monday's close, the highest since Aug 14. The measure extended a 3.7 percent jump on Friday that was the biggest gain in eight months. The CSI 300 Index rose 0.4 percent to 2,326.67. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index of mainland companies traded in Hong Kong fell 0.2 percent.

"Data still show the economy hasn't rebounded from the bottom," said Wu Kan, Shanghai-based fund manager at Dazhong Insurance Co, which oversees $285 million. "Policy easing will continue but it will likely be at a moderate pace."