Asian stock markets closed mostly higher Tuesday.

But Tokyo's Nikkei index was down nearly one percent to close at 8,762.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose slightly more than one percent top end at 18,968.

Elsewhere, markets were higher in Shanghai, Taipei, Wellington and Manila. Markets were also higher in Mumbai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Jakarta. The markets in Seoul and Sydney closed lower.

The dollar was selling at 76.16 yen, up a fraction from late Monday.

Gold was trading at $1,661.90 an ounce.