Asian stock indices open mixed

Asian stock indices opened the fifth session of the week mixed with Japan in particular mixed, while Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea lost ground, and China rose, as investors price in accelerating Covid infections worldwide and fading hopes for US stimulus. 

Earlier New Zealand data showed the manufacturing sector index up to 54.0 from 51, besting estimates of 52.8. 

The World Health Organization has reported nearly 38.5 million global cases of Covid 19 so far, with the death toll approaching 1.09 million.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin almost ruled out expanding stimulus before elections due to disagreements with Democrats on priorities. 

Japan's TOPEX fell 0.28% to 1,627, while Nikkei 225 climbed 0.07% to 23,522. 

China's CSI 300 rose 0.24%, while Shanghai rose 0.39% to 3,345. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1.08%, while South Korea's KOSPI fell 0.58% to 2,347. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 slipped 0.38%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.36% to 6,188.