HONG KONG. Nov-10: Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Thursday, with the key indexes slipping both in Tokyo and Hong Kong for the fourth straight day. reports AP.

Tokyo's 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 159.03 points, or 0.82 per cent, closing at 19.264.85. On Wed nesday. the key index had lost 185.14 points, or 0.94 per cent, closing at 19.423.88.

The Hang Seng Index, the Hong Kong market's key indicator of blue chips, fell 14.72 points, or 0.1 per cent, closing at 9.390.76. On Wednesday, the index had slipped 10 points.

WELLINGTON: New Zealand share prices closed -higher, mainly on news of the surprise

resignation of Jim Anderton leader of the leftist opposition Alliance Party, which caused a strong rally in bonds and equities. The NZSE-40 Capital Index rose 13.71 points io 2.088-88

MANILA: Share prices closed lower after investors took profits. 'Che Philippines PSE index of 43 selected :s sues fell 41.67 points to 2.968.21

SEOUL: Share prices closed lower in moderate trading The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, fell 11 52 pomis

SINGAPORE: Share prices closed lower over worries of US interest rate increases The 30-share Straits Times Indus trials Index fell 14 46 points to 2.329.94