Asian stocks fell, with regional benchmark index retreating from a five-month high, as investors await the release of delayed U.S. payrolls data to gauge when the Federal Reserve will starting trimming record stimulus.

Nikkei 225 14,713.25 +19.68 +0.13%

Hang Seng 23,304.54 -133.61 -0.57%

S&P/ASX 200 5,373.15 +21.37 +0.40%

Shanghai Composite 2,210.65 -18.59 -0.83%

China Mobile Ltd., the world’s largest phone company, dropped 3.6 percent in Hong Kong after posting its biggest profit decline since 1999.

Shinhan Financial Group Co. fell 2.9 percent in Seoul as BNP Paribas plans to sell part of its stake in South Korea’s biggest bank.

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s No. 1 mining company, gained 2.4 percent in Sydney after increasing its forecast for iron-ore production.