Hong Kong stocks began on Friday with a small gain, paring some of the week's losses, as investors keenly await the release of key US inflation data due later in the day.

The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.17 percent to 16,373.

The Shanghai Composite Index was marginally lower, dipping 0.82 points to 2,965, and the Shenzhen Composite Index was also flat, inching up 0.55 points to 1,850. (AFP)