Hong Kong stocks rose at the open Thursday, building on the previous day's surge, which was fuelled by hopes for fresh market-boosting measures from China's leaders.

The Hang Seng Index added 23 points to open at 18,453.

The Shanghai Composite Index slipped two points while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange edged down 0.21 percent lower at the start of trade. (AFP)