Asian stocks fell, with the regional benchmark index extending a four-week loss, on concern China’s biggest banks may fall short of loan targets for the first time in at least seven years amid an economic slowdown.

China Minsheng Banking Corp. fell 3 percent, leading banks lower in Hong Kong.

Nikkei 225 8,580.39 +17.01 +0.20%

S&P/ASX 200 -26.65 -0.66%

Shanghai Composite 2,333.55 -17.42 -0.74%

Esprit Holdings Ltd., a clothier that depends on Europe for 79 percent of its sales, lost 3.1 percent in Hong Kong. Sims Metal Management Ltd. slid 6.1 percent in Sydney as the processor of scrap metal forecast full-year earnings will decline.