Asian stock markets closed mostly higher Wednesday.

In Asia, Tokyo's Nikkei index lost two-tenths of a percent to close at 8,748.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up half of a percent to end at 19,066.

Elsewhere, markets were higher in Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Shanghai, Taipei and Wellington, but lower in Manila and Bangkok.

The dollar was selling at 75.92 yen, down nearly a fifth of a yen from late Tuesday.

Gold was trading at $1,710.64 an ounce.