Asian markets lower after Wall Street decline

BEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets were mostly higher Thursday following Wall Street's decline.

U.S. stocks declined as energy companies fell with the price of oil after three days of big, erratic moves.

Investors have sent stocks in different directions as they wonder if the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week, and they're also speculating about the health of the global economy.

Seed and weedkiller maker Monsanto agreed to be bought by German drug and farm chemical company Bayer for $57 billion in cash.

Bayer makes a wide range of crop protection chemicals that kill weeds, bugs and fungus, while Monsanto is known for its seeds business and the weedkiller Glyphosate.

Benchmark U.S. crude gained 7 cents to $43.65 per barrel in electronic trading the New York Mercantile Exchange.