Asian stock markets closed mixed Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost just over one-half of one percent to finish at 9,057.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index gained nearly four-tenths of one percent to finish the day's trading at 20,289.

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

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.62 yen, a loss of less than one-fourth of a yen from Tuesday.