Hong Kong stocks closed sharply lower on Friday following a recent run-up, with traders spooked by the prospect of US interest rates not coming down as soon or quickly as hoped.

The Hang Seng Index shed 2.2 percent, or 373 points, to 16,721.

The Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.5 percent, or 14 points, to end at 3,019, while the Shenzhen Composite Index slipped 0.8 percent, or 13 points, to 1,707. (AFP)