Most Asian stock indices closed higher due to yesterday's better-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence index. The consumer confidence index in the U.S. rose to 92.4 in August from a 90.3 in July, beating forecasts for a decline to 89.1. That was the highest level since October 2007.

BYD Co., the electric-car maker, shares rose 5.9% in Hong Kong on optimism the Chinese government will provide funding to build more charging facilities for electric vehicles.

Otsuka Holdings Co. shares jumped 7.5% after Nomura Holdings Inc. raised the company's rating.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,534.82 +13.60 +0.09%

Hang Seng 24,918.75 -155.75 -0.62%

Shanghai Composite 2,209.47 +2.36 +0.11%