Asian stock markets were mostly lower in trading Monday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost about two-thirds of a percent to close at 8,988.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down three-quarters of a percent to end at 19,865.

Elsewhere share prices were lower in Shanghai, Taiwan and Sydney. The market in Wellington was up slightly. The Manila exchange was closed for a holiday.

The dollar was selling at 77.97 yen, soaring up 2.14 yen from late Friday after the Japanese government intervened to weaken the yen.