Most Asian stock indices closed higher due to the Fed's minutes. The Fed released its minutes from the latest meeting. A tone of the Fed's minutes was dovish.

Some FOMC member expressed concern about the global slowdown and about the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.

Most FOMC members said that interest rate hike will depend on depend on data and not a calendar date.

Japanese stock index fell due to a stronger yen. The yen strengthened after the release of the Fed's minutes.

Japan's core machinery orders increased 4.7% in September, exceeding expectations for a 1.1% gain, after a 3.5% rise in August.

On a yearly basis, Japan's core machinery orders fell 3.3% in September, beating expectations for a 5.1% decrease, after a 1.1% gain in August.

Japan's preliminary machine tool orders decreased to 34.8% in September from 35.5% in August.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said in New York on Wednesday that Japan's economy will benefit if the BoJ pushes up inflation to its target of 2%. He also said that many tools for additional easing.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,478.93 -117.05 -0.75%

Hang Seng 23,534.53 +271.20 +1.17%

Shanghai Composite 2,389.37 +6.58 +0.28%