Asian stocks rose for a second day after a slump in U.S. home sales eased speculation the Federal Reserve will reduce economic stimulus next month.

Nikkei 225 13,636.28 -24.27 -0.18%

Hang Seng 22,005.32 +141.81 +0.65%

S&P/ASX 200 5,135.4 +12.04 +0.24%

Shanghai Composite 2,096.47 +39.02 +1.90%

Belle International Holdings Ltd., a retailer of woman’s footwear, advanced 6.1 percent in Hong Kong after reporting first half-net income.

Newcrest Mining Ltd. jumped 4.9 percent, leading a surge in Australian gold producers after the price of the precious metal rose above $1,400 an ounce last week.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. slumped 6.9 percent in Tokyo after saying one of two irradiated water filters at its wrecked nuclear plant in Fukushima will be shut until at least September..