Equities edge up led by consumer firms

Chinese stocks rose, driving the benchmark index to a three-month high, as consumer companies gained on speculation the government will extend measures to boost domestic demand and drive the nation's recovery.

V V Food & Beverage jumped the 10 percent daily limit to 9.61 yuan and Shanghai Bailian Group Co, the listed unit of China's biggest retailer, added 5.5 percent to 17.91 yuan.

"Given the fact that favorable policies will remain in place to bolster growth, consumer stocks are among the market's favorites," said Zhang Ling, who helps oversee about $7.21 billion at ICBC Credit Suisse Asset Management Co.