Asian stock indices open the week mostly lower

Asian stock indices opened the first session of the week mostly lower with Japan, China, Australia, and Hong Kong lower, while New Zealand and South Korea lost ground, following an array of data while the situation between the US and China continues to deteriorate. 

Earlier Australian data showed the AIG services index fell to 42.5 from 44 in July, while job advertisements rose 1.6%, slowing down from 19.1% in July. 

Earlier Chinese data showed the trade surplus up to 417 billion yuan, or $58.9 billion, from 442 billion yuan in July, as exports outpaced imports last month. 

US Defense Secretary spokesman said the US administration is considering imposing export limitations to some major Chinese tech companies as friction between both countries mounts. 

Japan's TOPEX fell 0.21% to 1,613, while Nikkei 225 declined 0.34% to 23,126. 

China's CSI 300 declined 0.84%, while Shanghai fell 0.53% to 3,337. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.24%, while South Korea's KOSPI rose 0.62% to 2,383. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 inched up 0.20%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.07% to 5,921.