Hong Kong stocks opened sharply lower on Thursday morning as profit-takers jumped in following a more than four percent surge the previous day, while a negative lead from Wall Street added to selling pressure.

The Hang Seng Index sank 1.11 percent to 20,390.

The Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.13 percent to 3,308, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on the mainland's second exchange dipped 0.10 percent to 2,162. (AFP)