Asian stock markets closed higher Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained just over two percent to finish at 8,763.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index soared nearly one and three-quarters percent to finish the day's trading at 20,048.

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

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 77.17 yen, a loss of nearly one-half of a yen from Tuesday.