Asian stock markets closed mostly lower in Tuesday trading.

Japan's Nikkei index was down 1.68 percent to close at 8,944.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slumped 5.66 percent to end at 19,331.

Elsewhere, markets closed lower in Manila, Wellington, Taipei and Shanghai. The market in Sydney closed higher.

The dollar was selling at 77.34 yen, down four-tenths of a yen from Monday.