Southeast Asian stocks rose on Monday, as investors hoped for more stimulus from China after disappointing growth, amid optimism about Washington and Beijing progressing with trade talks.
GDP of China expanded 6.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2018, in line with analyst expectations, while for the year, the economy grew 6.6 per cent, its slowest pace in 28 years.
Gains in material stocks drove the Malaysian benchmark 0.6 per cent higher.
Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd's stock firmed 2.4 per cent, while that of Tenaga Nasional Bhd rose 0.6 per cent. Thai stock index rose 0.5 per cent, owing to a surge in 2018 exports.
The country's 2018 exports rose 6.7 per cent bringing the country's trade balance to $1.06 billion compared to a deficit of $1.10 billion expected by analysts.
Energy stocks drove the index with PTT PCL rising 1.0 per cent and PTT Exploration and Production PCL firming 1.6.
Singapore's benchmark index rose 0.5 per cent buoyed by financial and technology stocks.
Shares of DBS Group Holdings Ltd rose 0.2 per cent, while those of United Overseas Bank Ltd gained 0.5 per cent.