Hong Kong stocks fell for a third straight day on Thursday, having hit a nine-month high earlier in the week, after minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting indicated US interest rates might be kept higher for an extended period.

The Hang Seng Index lost 1.7 percent, or 326 points, to 18,868.

The Shanghai Composite Index shed 1.3 percent, or 42 points, to 3,116, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gave back 1.7 percent, or 30 points, to 1,754. (AFP)