Asian stocks open mixed

Asian stock indices opened the second session of the week mixed with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea higher, while China and Hong Kong lost ground, amid surging tensions between the US and China. 

Earlier Japanese data showed household spending fell 7.6% in July, sharpening a 1.2% drop in June, while average wages fell 1.3%. 

Japan's current account surplus shrank to 0.96 trillion yen in July from 1.05 trillion in June. 

Japan's GDP shrank 7.9% in the second quarter, compared to a 0.6% contraction in the firs quarter. 

Finally, Japan's current conditions index improved to 43.9 from 41.1, while future conditions index rose to 42.4 from 36.0. 

From Australia, an index tracking business sentiment improved to minus 8 from minus 14 in July.

US-China tensions continue to mount after US Defense Secretary spokesman said the US administration is considering imposing export limitations to some major Chinese tech companies.

US President Donald Trump said yesterday it's possible he'll separate the US economy completely from China and that the World Trade Organization has become much better for America. 

Japan's TOPEX rose 0.14%, while Nikkei 225 rose 0.47% to 23,197. 

China's CSI 300 declined 0.50%, while Shanghai lost 0.34% to 3,281. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.45%, while South Korea's KOSPI rose 0.68% to 2,400. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 rose 0.16%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.70% to 5,986.