Hong Kong and mainland stocks were mixed on Tuesday as overnight losses in US chip stocks triggered investors to book profits from a recent chipmaker-driven rally.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index opened up 18 points, or 0.07 percent, at 25,693.

The China enterprises index was down five points, or 0.07 percent, at 8,592 while the tech index was down six points, or 0.14 percent, at 4,838.

On the mainland, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opened down 0.21 percent at 4,122.

The Shenzhen Component Index opened 0.39 percent lower at 15,469 while the ChiNext Index was down 0.53 percent at 3,894.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei opened 387 points, or 0.64 percent, higher at 61,202 before reversing direction to be 386 points, or 0.64 percent, down at 60,429 at one point before noon.

In Seoul, the Kospi opened down 90 points, or 1.2 percent, at 7,425 and lost further ground to be 320 points, or 4.26 percent, in the red at 7,195 at one point before midday. (Xinhua & Reuters)