Hong Kong stocks closed Thursday in negative territory as traders were unable to maintain an early rally, weighed by another weak reading on China's economy.

The Hang Seng Index eased 0.4 percent, or 76 points, to 20,793.

The Shanghai Composite Index added 0.7 percent, or 20 points, to 3,067, while the Shenzhen Composite Index also gained 0.7 percent, or 12 points, to 1,891. (AFP)