Major Asian stock markets closed mixed Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost just over one-half of one percent to finish at 9,057.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index gained nearly four-tenths of one percent to finish the day's trading at 20,289.

Share prices were higher in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Seoul, Sydney and Wellington, but lower in Manila, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei. The index in Jakarta was closed.

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.55 yen, a loss of one-quarter of a yen from Tuesday.

Gold is trading at $1,791.35 an ounce.