Asian stock markets closed lower Monday.

Japanese markets were closed Monday for a national holiday .

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 2.76 percent , to end at 18,918.

Elsewhere, share prices were lower in Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Wellington. Markets also closed lower in Shanghai, Seoul, Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai and Bangkok. Manila stocks edged up.

The U.S. dollar was quoted at 76.77 yen, nearly unchanged from late Friday.

Gold was trading at $1,816.20 an ounce.