Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Thursday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost just over two percent (181 points)) to finish at 8,560

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index plunged nearly five percent to finish the day's trading at 17,912.

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

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.47 yen, a gain of a fraction of a yen from Wednesday.