Major Asian stock markets closed lower Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost just over one percent to finish at 8,640, wiping out gains made early in the day's trading.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index plunged just over two percent to finish the day's trading at 19,467.

Share prices were also lower in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington.

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

Gold is trading at $1,845.10 an ounce.