Asian stocks outside of Japan advanced, with a regional gauge heading for a one-month high, as health-care companies led gains. Shares in Tokyo retreated as the yen strengthened.

Nikkei 225 14,766.53 -76.71 -0.52%

S&P/ASX 200 5,408.24 +15.42 +0.29%

Shanghai Composite2,139.98 +20.92 +0.99%

Celltrion Inc., a South Korean drugmaker, jumped 7.1 percent, leading gains in the medical sector.

Seek Ltd. surged 18 percent in Sydney after the online hiring company reported an increase in first-half profit and said a unit will acquire a rival website.

Bridgestone Corp. dropped 4.3 percent in Tokyo after the tiremaker forecast slower-than-expected full-year profit growth.