Hong Kong stocks fell on Thursday following a Wall Street retreat, as strong US retail data and comments from Federal Reserve officials dented hopes for a pause in the central bank's rate hike drive.

The Hang Seng Index fell 1.2 percent, or 210 points, to 18,045.

The Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.2 percent, or 4 points, to 3,115, while the Shenzhen Composite Index inched up 0.1 percent, or 1.2 points, at 2,039. (AFP)