Asia stocks rise as weak US data boosts Fed rate-cut bets

Asian stocks rose on Wednesday, chasing gains on Wall Street as weaker-than-expected economic data spurred expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at its policy meeting next month. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 1%, after US stocks ended the previous session with mild gains. Japan’s Nikkei stock index tacked on 1.8%, while US stock futures edged up 0.2%. U.S. stocks reclaimed lost ground after a selloff earlier this month, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rising for a third consecutive day on Tuesday after data showed retail sales rose less than expected and consumer confidence weakened, firming up expectations that the Fed will ease policy soon.