Asian stock markets closed mixed Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained nearly one-quarter of one percent to finish at 8,741.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index lost one percent to finish the day's trading at 18,824.

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

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.35 yen, a loss of one-tenth of a yen from Tuesday.