Hong Kong stocks opened lower on Thursday as fresh below-forecast US data added to concerns about a recession in the world's biggest economy.

The Hang Seng Index retreated 0.63 percent to 20,146.

The Shanghai Composite Index eased 0.30 percent to 3,303, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange lost 0.54 percent to 2,128. (AFP)