Asian stock markets closed higher Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained just over one percent to finish at 9,039.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index soared well over than two and one-quarter percent to finish the day's trading at 19,784.

Share prices were also higher in Manila, Shanghai, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington.

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.70 yen, a loss of just over one-quarter of a yen from Tuesday.