Hong Kong stocks opened with a loss on Friday morning after the previous day's rally as strong US economic data tempered optimism about how quickly the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates.

The Hang Seng Index shed 0.70 percent to 16,745.

The Shanghai Composite Index dipped 0.21 percent to 3,071, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on the mainland's second exchange eased 0.18 percent to 1,801. (AFP)