The Hang Seng Index lost 42.94 points, or 0.17 percent, to open at 24,697.63 on Wednesday.

Overnight, Wall Street stocks fell, snapping a two-session streak of gains with investors striking a cautious note ahead of a monetary policy decision from the Federal Reserve.

The Fed on Wednesday is expected to maintain current interest rates, but the central bank's commentary will be scrutinised for its views on growth and inflation. (with additional reporting from Xinhua and AFP)