Asian stock markets closed mostly higher Tuesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained nearly one and one-fourth percent to finish at 8,954.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index soared nearly one and three-quarters percent to finish the day's trading at 20,204.

Share prices were higher in Sydney, Taipei and Wellington, but lower in Shanghai. The index in Manila was closed.

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.76 yen, a loss of a fraction of a yen from Monday.