Asian stocks decline as China's stimulus plan disappoints investors

Asian stocks fell on Monday after China's $839 billion stimulus package received a lukewarm response from investors. The plan, aimed at reducing local government debt, did not meet expectations for stronger economic support. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped 1.5 percent, while South Korea's Kospi fell 1.2 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index rose slightly by 0.5 percent, and Japan's Nikkei 225 closed marginally higher. In contrast, European markets opened higher, with Germany's DAX gaining 1.2 percent. U.S. markets ended last week positively, with the S&P 500 rising 0.4 percent.