Asian stock indices closed lower due to tensions over Ukraine. Market participants continue to monitor developments in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Minsk today.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced yesterday that new parliamentary elections will take place on October.

The Conference Board released its leading index for China. The index rose 1.3% in July, after a 1.3% gain in June.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,521.22 -92.03 -0.59%

Hang Seng 25,074.5 -92.41 -0.37%

Shanghai Composite 2,207.11 -22.17 -0.99%