Most Asian stock indices closed lower, following U.S. markets.

Japan's nationwide core consumer price index increased 3.1% in August, missing expectations for a 3.2% rise, after a 3.3% gain in July.

Japan's nationwide consumer price index rose 3.3% in August, after a 3.4% increase in July.

Comments by Japan's Welfare Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki said reforms for Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) would continue as planned.

The Conference Board released its leading index for China. The index rose 0.7% in August, after a 1.3% gain in July.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 16,229.86 -144.28 -0.88%

Hang Seng 23,678.41 -89.72 -0.38%

Shanghai Composite 2,347.72 +2.61 +0.11%