Asian stocks outside Japan slid toward a two-month low amid concern a budget standoff in the U.S. may curb global growth. Japanese shares gained on speculation a change of government may result in more action to stimulate the economy.

Nikkei 225 8,829.72 +164.99 +1.90%

S&P/ASX 200 4,349.25 -39.12 -0.89%

Shanghai Composite 2,030.29 -25.13 -1.22%

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s largest mining company, fell 1.8 percent in Sydney, declining for a sixth day in its longest losing streak since July.

Tencent Holdings Ltd., China’s biggest Internet company, dropped 7 percent in Hong Kong after earnings missed estimates.

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. surged 4.8 percent in Tokyo.