If the scan is negative, indicating no clumps or few clumps of amyloid, "that gives the clinician a clue that Alzheimer's is less likely to be the cause of those symptoms, " said Daniel Skovronsky, who developed the agent and is the global brand-development leader for Amyvid at Lilly.

WSJ: FDA Approves Alzheimer's Test Developed by Eli Lilly

The upbeat news from abroad helped lift U.S. stocks as investors shook off the Empire State Index, a gauge of manufacturing in New York that came in at negative 7.7, indicating worsening conditions and a shakier outlook.

FORBES: Google's Motorola Buy, Japan Healing Send Stocks Higher

Looking at the decline in total assets under management, equity assets are currently at about beginning-of-year levels, indicating that while many equity markets have not provided negative returns for the year, dedicated emerging market equity fund managers may have lightened up in their positioning to account for this retreat in assets under management.

FORBES: Emerging Market Sell-Off Continues