Hong Kong stocks closed lower on Thursday, tracking losses across the region, with markets impacted by a Covid surge in China darkening investor outlook.

The Hang Seng Index dropped 0.8 percent, or 157 points, to 19,741.

The Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.4 percent, or 13 points, to 3,073, while the Shenzhen Composite Index fell 0.3 percent, or 5 points, to 1,968. (AFP)