Asia opens mixed on Covid concerns

Asian stock indices opened the third session of the week mixed with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea down, while China and Hong Kong rose, amid concerns about surging Covid 19 cases in North and South America. 

The World Health Organization warned the rate of Covid 19 spread has increased recently, warning the peak hasn't been reached yet. 

The WHO experts said the current gap between high new infections and slower death could be bridged in a few weeks, with the total death toll standing currently at 535,000. 

As Covid cases spike in South America, Brazilian president Bolsonaro announced he tested positive for the virus after months of downplaying the issue. 

Reports indicated the US administration is considering severing the link between US and Hong Kong dollar as steps are taken to punish China for taking more security control over Hong Kong. 

Earlier Japanese data showed current account surplus up to 0.82 trillion yen from 0.26 trillion in April, while bank lending rose 6.2% in May, up from 4.8% in April. 

The Japanese government released the index on current conditions, up to 38.8 from 15.5, while the future conditions index rose to 44.0 from 36.5. 

Japan's TOPEX rose 0.06% to 1,572, while Nikkei 225 shed 0.19% to 22,571. 

China's CSI 300 rose 0.81% to 4,736, while Shanghai climbed 0.96% to 3,377. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 0.65%, while South Korea's KOSPI shed 0.20% to 2,159. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 declined 0.65%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.65% to 5,973.