Asian stock markets closed higher Thursday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained nearly one and three-quarters percent to finish at 8,522.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose nearly five and three-quarters percent to finish the day's trading at 17,172.

Share prices were also higher in Manila, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington. The Shanghai index remained closed on Thursday.

In currency trading, the U.S. dollar was selling at 76.67 yen, a loss of just over one-tenth of a yen from Wednesday.