Asian stocks outside Japan rose as economic reports across the region fueled speculation that central banks will boost stimulus measures. Japanese stocks fell as the yen rose against most of its major counterparts, weighing on the earnings outlook for exporters.

Nikkei 225 8,783.89 -56.02 -0.63%

S&P/ASX 200 4,329.7 +13.59 +0.31%

Shanghai Composite 2,057.68 +10.16 +0.50%

James Hardie Industries SE, a building-materials supplier that gets 67 percent of sales from the U.S., rose 1.2 percent in Sydney.

Canon Inc., a camera maker that gets 31 percent of its revenue in Europe, lost 1.7 percent.

Shimao Property Holdings Ltd. paced gains among Chinese developers on a report the nation should do more to help economic growth.

Samsung Card Co. soared 15 percent in Seoul after the credit-card issuer said it will buy back shares.