Hong Kong stocks kicked off on Wednesday by losing ground, in line with other markets' losses following the release of US inflation data that was higher than expected.

The Hang Seng Index dropped two percent, or 393.56 points, to 18,933.30.

The Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.9 percent, or 29.14 points, to 3,234.66, while the Shenzhen Composite Index also fell, losing 1.1 percent, or 24.25 points, to 2,100.80. (AFP)