Hong Kong stocks sank at the open on Friday morning as traders fret over the rumbling crisis in the Middle East and the prospect that the Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates as much as hoped this year.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.8 percent, or 139 points, to 16,246.

The Shanghai Composite Index retreated 0.4 percent, or 13 points to 3,060, while the Shenzhen Composite Index lost 0.5 percent, or 10 points to 1,688. (AFP)