The Hang Seng Index fell 129.38 points, or 0.53 percent, to open at 24,345.29.

Mainland stocks also opened lower, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index down 0.12 percent at 3,451.72 and the Shenzhen Component Index down 0.04 percent at 10,389.23.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said on Thursday it sold US$1.2 billion against the Hong Kong dollar, which hit the weak end of its trading band.

The intervention comes after the Hong Kong dollar hit the weak side of the band for the first time in two years.

"The public should exercise caution in managing their interest rate risks and market risks," HKMA chief executive Eddie Yue said.

The aggregate balance, the key gauge of cash in the banking system, will shrink by HK$9.42 billion on Friday.

"As the aggregate balance declines, HK dollar interbank rates may increase, which is consistent with the design of the Linked Exchange Rate System," Yue added.

"The HKMA will continue to closely monitor market developments and the external environment to ensure the orderly operation of the Hong Kong dollar markets." (Additional reporting by Reuters/Xinhua)
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Last updated: 2025-06-26 HKT 13:24