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 Manila, Shanghai, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington.

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.62 yen, a loss of a fraction of a yen from Tuesday.