The Hong Kong stock market opened lower on Tuesday, with some investors apparently nervous ahead of a rate review in the United States.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.59 percent to 19,678.03 in the opening minutes.

Earlier, US market closed mixed overnight, ahead of this week's meeting by the US Federal Reserve.

The S&P 500 gained 0.4 percent, the Nasdaq composite rose 1.2 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3 percent.

In its final rate review for the year, the US central bank will brief markets on the outlook. It's expected to cut rates for a third time. (Xinhua, AP)