Asian markets made a mixed closing on Thursday

Asian equity markets ended mixed on Thursday. Hong Kong shares closed above 22,000 for the first time this year, joining a regional rally that led many Asian bourses higher. Japanese shares rose to close near their highest level in more than a month, as the yen weakened to the lower 107 yen zone amid reports that the government is arranging to compile a 20 trillion yen ($186 billion) stimulus package, about double its previous plan. Meanwhile, Chinese shares eked out modest gains as investors looked for bargains after three days of losses in the wake of mixed signals on the economic front.