Hong Kong's benchmark stock index erased losses for the year to enter a bull market amid a broad advance for regional equities.

The Hang Seng Index added 0.5 percent at the close, taking its increase from a three-year low in February to 20 percent. Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd climbed amid expectations interest rates will stay low. New World Development Co rose for a ninth straight day, its longest winning streak in seven years, after Credit Suisse Group AG raised the stock's rating.

The Shanghai Composite Index advanced for the first time in four days.