Hong Kong stocks closed in negative territory on Wednesday as US data showing a bigger-than-expected drop in job openings was offset by growing worries about the outlook for the world's top economy.

The Hang Seng Index slipped 0.1 percent, or 19 points, to 18,424.

The Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.8 percent, or 25 points, to 3,065, while the Shenzhen Composite Index lost 1.2 percent, or 20 points, to 1,706. (AFP)