Major Asian stock markets closed higher Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained just over two percent to finish at 8,763.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index soared nearly one and three-quarters percent to finish the day's trading at 20,048.

Share prices were also higher in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington.

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 77.20 yen, a loss of nearly one-half of a yen from Tuesday.

Gold is trading at $1,841.52 an ounce.