Asian stock indices closed mixed. Stocks were supported by yesterday's strong U.S. economic data. The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending October 11 in the U.S. dropped by 23,000 to 264,000. Analysts had expected the number of initial jobless claims to decline by 1,000 to 286,000.

The U.S. industrial production rose 1.0% in September, exceeding expectations for a 0.4% gain, after a 0.2% decline in August. August's figure was revised down from a 0.1% decrease.

The U.S. economic data eased investor concerns over the global growth.

Comments by Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard calmed markets. Bullard said that the Fed should consider to delay the end of its bond-buying program.

Japanese stocks fell due to a stronger yen. The yen strengthened on worries about the global economy.

Chinese stocks declined on speculation a trading link between Hong Kong and Shanghai will be delayed.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 14,532.51 -205.87 -1.40%

Hang Seng 23,023.21 +122.27 +0.53%

Shanghai Composite 2,341.18 -15.32 -0.65%