Asian Stocks close: stocks closed mixed

Asian stock indices closed mixed.

Japanese stocks declined due to a stronger yen. The yen climbed after comments by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision. Abe expressed concern about a weaker yen.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept its monetary policy unchanged.

The BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said at a press conference today that the BoJ will closely monitor the exchange rate. He added that the central bank will maintain its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing program until the inflation target of 2% is achieved. Kuroda noted the BoJ will adjust its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing program if necessary.

Japan's preliminary leading index declined to 104 in August from 105.4 in July, missing expectations for a decrease to 104.2. That was the lowest level since January 2013.

Japan's coincident index fell to 108.5 in August from 109.9 in July.

Hong Kong's stock index increased as Hong Kong officials and protest leaders agreed to talk.

Markets in Shanghai are closed until October 7 for a public holiday.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,783.83 -107.12 -0.67%

Hang Seng 23,422.52 +107.48 +0.46%

Shanghai Composite closed