Bloomberg - Asian stocks outside Japan fell as signs the U.S. economy is strengthening fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve will soon start tapering stimulus. Pigeon Corp. climbed 2.6 percent in Tokyo after the maker of baby-care products raised its full-year profit forecast.
Sekisui Chemical Co. jumped 9.9 percent after a report that it developed a cheaper and longer-lasting material for lithium-ion batteries used in the electric vehicles. Newcrest Mining Ltd. (NCM), Australia’s biggest gold producer, sank 6.4 percent as the bullion’s price headed for its first annual drop in 13 years.