Asia opens mixed as investors weigh coronavirus countermeasures

Asian stock indices opened the fourth session of the week mixed with China, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong down, while Japan and South Korea lost ground, as investors weigh the latest global to cushion the impact of the coronavirus. 

The White House announced a deal with the Senate in the US to pass the $2 trillion aid package, while Europe readies for a package of its own, with global central bank cutting rates to historic levels. 

The World Health Organization warned that kids can be infected with Covid 19 just like everyone else, calling for more stringent measures against the virus. 

Global cases rose to 417 thousand in 196 countries and territories, with the death toll mounting to 18,589. 

Japan's TOPEX fell 2.24% to 1,392, while Nikkei 225 tumbled .8% to 18,803. 

China's CSI edged up 0.36%, while Shanghai gained 0.22% to 2,787. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.37%, while South Korea's KOSPI rose 0.90% to 1,720. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 surged 4.44%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 climbed 2.74% to 5,135.