Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost one and one-tenth percent to finish at 8,519.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index gained a fraction of one percent to finish the day's trading at 19,045.

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

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.90 yen, a loss of a fraction of a yen from Tuesday.