Hong Kong stocks opened on the back foot on Tuesday as growing concerns about China's fresh Covid outbreaks combined with lingering worries about central bank interest rate hikes.

The Hang Seng Index eased 0.2 percent, or 30 points, to 17,625.

The Shanghai Composite Index was marginally lower, inching down 0.8 points to 3,084, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange dipped 0.2 percent, or 3 points, to 2,025. (AFP)