Asian stock indices open mostly higher

Asian stock indices opened the third session of the week mixed with China in particular mixed while Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea higher, as Hong Kong lost ground, ahead of a spate of data from major Asian economies, and as vaccination efforts intensify. 

From Australia, the AIG construction index rose to 57.6 from 55.3, while building permits rose 10.9% in December, up from 3.4%. 

From New Zealand, unemployment rates fell to 4.9% from 5.3% in the third quarter, while employment change rose 0.6%, compared to a 0.7% drop before. 

Japan's TOPEX rose 0.85%, while Nikkei 225 climbed 0.67% to 28,552. 

China's CSI 300 rose 0.20%, while Shanghai declined 0.06% to 3,531. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.83%, while South Korea's KOSPI rose 0.13% to 3,100.

New Zealand's NZX 50 rose 0.29%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 climbed 1% to 6,830.