Asian stock markets closed mostly higher Tuesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained nearly one and one-quarter percent to finish at 8,733.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index soared two percent to finish the day's trading at 19,876.

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

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.61 yen, a loss of two-tenths of a yen from Monday.