Japan’s Nikkei stock average climbed 2.1 per cent on Tuesday, posting its biggest one-day gain in a month, as markets took comfort from China’s GDP data and on expectations that the European Central Bank will unveil stimulus measures.

The benchmark Nikkei rose to 17,366.30 points, its highest level in two weeks, led by gains in financials and China-related stocks.

China posted fourth-quarter economic growth of 7.3 per cent year-on-year, slightly better than expectations.

In the currency market, the dollar traded lower at 118 against the yen, generally attractive levels for exporters, after China reported its economy had not slowed as much as many investors had feared.

The broader Topix advanced 1.8 per cent to 1,397.63 and the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 added 1.9 per cent to 12,705.71.