Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 5.78 points, or 0.02 percent, to open at 23,472 points on Monday.

Asian stocks were set to open on the defensive on Monday, taking the baton from a bruised Wall Street on Friday as worries over the US economy and new tariff threats from US President Donald Trump cast a cloud over world markets.

The local calendar is light, with New Zealand retail sales and inflation from Singapore the main data points, and Reserve Bank of New Zealand Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby scheduled to speak in Wellington.

Investors will digest Germany's election, which saw a victory for opposition conservatives and the far-right Alternative for Germany's best ever showing. (Agencies)