Most Asian stocks rose, pushing a regional equities index to its highest level in 17 months, after a gauge of U.S. manufacturing added to optimism that the outlook for economic growth is improving. Rio Tinto Group, the world’s second-largest mining company, climbed 1.9 percent in Sydney as metals prices rose. Australian miner Aquarius Platinum Ltd. (AQP) soared 16 percent, the most in four years, amid speculation that South African supply of the metal will be lower during the first quarter. Samsung Electronics Co. fell 1.5 percent in Seoul, retreating from a record high yesterday, after being named in a new ... (full story)