Hong Kong stocks closed lower on Tuesday as an early rally ran out of steam, with investors looking ahead to the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's most recent policy meeting.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.3 percent, or 44 points, to 17,733.

The Shanghai Composite Index inched down 0.4 points to 3,067, and the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange dipped 0.4 percent, or 7 points, to 1,929. (AFP)