Asia opens mixed after Biden's stimulus unveiling

Asian stock indices opened the fifth session of the week mostly lower with Japan, New Zealand, China, and South Korea down, while Australia, Hong Kong gained ground. 

US President Elect Joe Biden promised a $1.9 trillion stimulus package to boost the economy from the Covid crisis. 

The package includes direct financial help to families and companies suffering from the pandemic. 

From New Zealand, food prices rose 0.1% in December compared to a 0.9% drop in November. 

President Donald Trump signed a new executive order banning investments in companies related to the Chinese army, in turn stoking tensions with the Chinese government. 

Japan's TOPEX fell 0.51%, while Nikkei 225 declined 0.21% to 28,639. 

China's CSI 300 gave up 0.96%, while Shanghai slipped 0.53% to 3,546. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.26% to 28,570, while South Korea's KOSPI shed 1.30% to 3,108. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 slid 0.94%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.24% to 6,731.