Asian stocks dropped, with the regional benchmark index heading for its fourth straight loss, as the global economic slowdown crimps corporate earnings and after commodities erased this year’s gains.

Nikkei 225 8,954.3 -59.95 -0.67%

S&P/ASX 200 4,505.8 -37.27 -0.82%

Shanghai Composite 2,113.26 -1.19 -0.06%

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s largest mining company, declined 1.4 percent in Sydney.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. sank 5.7 percent Tokyo after the gas-turbine maker said first- half earnings missed its forecasts.