Asian stocks fell, with the regional benchmark index retreating a second day from the highest since August 2011, after mixed reports on Chinese manufacturing. Japanese shares advanced on earnings and a weaker yen.

Nikkei 225 11,191.34 +52.68 +0.47%

Hang Seng 23,721.84 -7.69 -0.03%

S&P/ASX 200 4,921.1 +42.31 +0.87%

Shanghai Composite 2,419.02 +33.60 +1.41%

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd., the biggest mainland developer listed in Hong Kong, slumped 2.3 percent after home prices in China posted their biggest gain in two years, sparking concern that the government will introduce additional property curbs.

NEC Corp. surged 8.5 percent after the maker of telecommunications equipment returned to profit in the third quarter from a loss a year earlier.