Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Tuesday.

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, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Seoul, Taipei and Shanghai. The market in Sydney closed higher, while the Singapore market was closed for a national holiday.

The dollar was selling at 77.04 yen, down seven-tenths of a yen from Monday.

Gold was trading at $1,767.90 an ounce.